Although most of these platforms commonly require a minimum user age of 13, the advisory reveals that 40% of children aged 8-12 use social media
US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy issued a 19-page advisory on Tuesday, highlighting the serious hazard social media poses for teenagers.
Emphasizing the need for caution, Dr Murthy points to a lack of comprehensive independent research and evidence to determine how safe social media is for children and adolescents.
“Nearly every teenager in America uses social media, and yet we do not have enough evidence to conclude that it is sufficiently safe for them,” Murthy wrote.
The report identifies two types of risks from social media: content-related (bullying, reduced self-confidence), and use-related (poor sleep).
The report highlights
- Excessive use of social media can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression and points out the impact of social media on youth mental health, particularly among adolescent girls.
- A study involving 6,595 US adolescents aged 12-15 found that spending over three hours daily on social media doubled the risk of depression and anxiety symptoms.
- Although most of these platforms commonly require a minimum user age of 13, the advisory reveals that 40% of children aged 8-12 use social media.
The report provides recommendations for tech companies, policymakers and parents to navigate social media safely.
Suggestions include creating a family media plan, discussing online activities and promoting help-seeking—like the new 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline as a resource for mental health emergencies.
Going by the numbers
The years between 2011 and 2021 saw double the number of teens and young adults with clinical depression.