U.S. Surgeon General Warns That Social Media May Have a "Profound Risk" on Teen Mental Health

Last week, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued a new advisory about the effects of social media on children and teens. He noted that the teen years represent a critical stage in brain development that can make young people more susceptible to social pressures, peer opinions, and peer comparison, and that social media was exposing many children and teens to harmful content such as violence, bullying, harassment, and disordered eating behaviors. Many studies have also shown a relationship between social media use and poor sleep habits and depression in teens. While more research is needed to determine the full impact of social media use on youth, Dr. Murthy and other medical leaders are calling on policymakers and tech companies to take urgent action to create safer, healthier online environments.



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