Surgeon general calls for health warnings on social media for younger users

SUMMARY

U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has called for mandatory health warnings on social media platforms aimed at younger users, comparing the urgency to past safety measures like cigarette warnings. In an op-ed, Murthy highlighted the mental health crisis among youth exacerbated by social media, advocating for swift congressional action to implement these warnings. He reiterated the need for transparency from social media companies regarding the public health impacts of their platforms and urged societal changes, including phone-free times in schools and homes. Murthy's proposal claims to safeguard adolescents from potential mental health harms associated with excessive social media use, echoing concerns raised by medical experts and psychological associations.