By Amir Mohammad
Public Health
Dr. Amir Mohammad
As a parent of a highschooler, I’m frequently engaged in conversation related to device usage and social media platforms. I have personally observed that the use of social media is very addictive. In May 2023, the US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory highlighting the potential risks that social media poses to the mental health of youth. The advisory is part of a broader effort to raise awareness about the growing concerns over how social media use can contribute to mental health challenges among young people.
“The most common question parents ask me is, ‘Is social media safe for my kids.’ The answer is that we don’t have enough evidence to say it’s safe, and in fact, there is growing evidence that social media use is associated with harm to young people’s mental health,” Murthy said. “Children are exposed to harmful content on social media, ranging from violent and sexual content to bullying and harassment. And for too many children, social media use is compromising their sleep and valuable in-person time with family and friends. We are in the middle of a national youth mental health crisis, and I am concerned that social media is an important driver of that crisis – one that we must urgently address.”
Some key points from the Murthy’s advisory included:
– Mental health concerns: The advisory outlines that social media can exacerbate issues like anxiety, depression and low self-esteem in children and adolescents. It points to studies that link excessive social media use with increased feelings of loneliness, sadness and fear of missing out.
– Vulnerability of youth: The developing brain, particularly during adolescence, is highly sensitive to external influences. Exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying and pressure to conform to unrealistic body images are among the risks that youth face on social media platforms.
– Lack of regulation and oversight: Murthy emphasized that social media platforms have not been adequately regulated to ensure that their content and design are safe for young users. This includes concerns about addictive design features, algorithms that promote unhealthy behavior and a lack of age-appropriate content moderation.
Here are some recommendations for schools, parents and policymakers:
– As a public health professional, and in light of the surgeon general’s advisory and the growing body of research on the harmful effects of social media on youth mental health, I strongly encourage schools to prioritize social media literacy. Schools should also aim to balance the benefits of digital engagement with the need to protect students from potential risks, promoting responsible use while mitigating negative impacts on mental health.
– As a parent myself, I also encourage fellow parents to set boundaries and engage in open conversations with their children about social media use.
– Connecticut policymakers are urged to establish stronger protections for youth and increase research funding to understand the impact of social media on adolescent mental health.
Dr. Amir Mohammad is the director of public health for the town of Orange.