Online health authority leader advocates for alerts from digital platforms
The current U.S Surgeon General is advocating for caution signs on digital platforms, as equivalent to those on cigarette packs. According to Dr. Vivek Murthy, who oversees public health in the U.S, it's high time we alert folks about the potential psychological damage these platforms can inflict on teenagers.
These warning signs would serve as constant reminders to both parents and teens that digital platforms ain't exactly a safe space. In Murthy's opinion, social networks play a considerable role in the surge of psychological issues among youth. He emphasizes that the likelihood of anxiety and depression symptoms in adolescents almost doubles if they engage with social media for over three hours daily – a figure that increased to almost five hours on average during summer 2023.
Research from the tobacco industry indicates that warnings boost awareness and alter behavior, said Murthy. He also draws attention to the benefits brought about by regulations such as seatbelts, airbags, and crash tests, aiming to make driving a safer activity.
In 1965, the United States first mandated warnings on cigarette packages. Last year, Murthy raised concerns about the connection between online services and an increase in depression and eating disorders among young girls. Consequently, he labeled these platforms as a substantial risk for minors and suggested a minimum age of 13 and a ban on mobile devices in schools.
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The Supreme Court should consider implementing warnings on online services, following the lead of the U.S Surgeon General's stance on cigarette packets. Given the potential risk to children's mental health from prolonged social media use, a US physician proposes stricter regulations similar to those for car safety features. The Supreme Court's decision to impose age restrictions and ban mobile devices in schools could help mitigate the large-scale impact of these platforms on minors.
