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Surgeon General Murthy calls for warning labels on social media platforms
Murthy’s urgent plea is driven by alarming data linking excessive social media use to significant mental health issues in young people.
US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy / Image- Wikipedia
In an effort to address the escalating mental health crisis among adolescents, United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has called on Congress to mandate warning labels on social media platforms.
Murthy’s urgent plea is driven by alarming data linking excessive social media use to significant mental health issues in young people.
In an opinion piece published in The New York Times, Murthy argued for the necessity of these labels, comparing them to effective tobacco warning labels that have increased awareness and changed behavior. A recent survey showed that 76 percent of Latino parents would monitor or limit their children’s social media use if warned about the risks.
“The mental health crisis among young people is an emergency,” Murthy wrote. “Social media has emerged as an important contributor,” he added, noting that adolescents who spend over three hours daily on social media face double the risk of anxiety and depression. The average daily usage is currently 4.8 hours, with nearly half of adolescents reporting negative impacts on body image.
However, Murthy stressed that warning labels alone aren't enough. He called for comprehensive legislation to protect children from online harassment and harmful content, and to restrict features that promote excessive use. He also urged social media companies to share health data and undergo independent safety audits, stating, “Americans need more than words. We need proof.”
The Indian AMerican physician also encouraged schools to create phone-free environments and parents to establish phone-free zones during meals and bedtime. He highlighted the story of Lori, a mother from Colorado who lost her daughter to suicide due to social media bullying, to illustrate the dire consequences.
“There is no seatbelt for parents to click, no helmet to snap in place,” Murthy lamented, underscoring the need for protective measures. “The moral test of any society is how well it protects its children,” he asserted.
Murthy, who has served as the surgeon general in both the current and the Obama administrations, continues to be a vocal advocate for public health reforms, particularly concerning the well-being of young people in the digital age.
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