Summarised by Centrist
In a recent New York Times guest essay, US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called for warning labels on social media platforms, similar to those on cigarettes and alcohol.
“It is time to require a surgeon general’s warning label on social media platforms, stating that social media is associated with significant mental health harms for adolescents,” Murthy wrote.
Murthy argues that the harms of social media are urgent and widespread, and he criticises the lack of safety measures, transparency, and accountability from tech giants.
He recommends additional measures to “prevent platforms from collecting sensitive data from children.” He suggests restricting the use of features like push notifications, autoplay and infinite scroll, “which prey on developing brains and contribute to excessive use.”
He also recommends that companies “be required to share all of their data on health effects with independent scientists and the public — currently they do not — and allow independent safety audits.”
Parents should establish phone-free zones during bedtime, meals, and social gatherings and delay social media access until after middle school.
Parents can collaborate with other families to set shared rules, ensuring no one feels isolated or guilty, he writes.
According to Murthy:
“The moral test of any society is how well it protects its children.”
