The U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, recently visited Lincoln to address the concerning impact of social media on youth across the country. During a discussion at Bryan East, Dr. Murthy highlighted the harmful effects of excessive social media use on children, including increased risk of anxiety and depression.
According to Dr. Murthy, kids are spending an average of five hours a day on social media, which has doubled the risk of anxiety and depression symptoms. In response to these alarming statistics, Dr. Murthy issued an advisory in 2023, emphasizing the need for action to address the negative impacts of social media on youth mental Health.
Dr. Dave Miers from Bryan Medical Center also pointed out the rising rates of suicide and attempted suicide among children, attributing these trends to the pressures and unrealistic expectations perpetuated by social media platforms.
In light of these challenges, Dr. Murthy stressed the importance of implementing data transparency, safety, and privacy standards for social media platforms. He encouraged parents to set boundaries at home, such as establishing “tech-free zones” and teaching children how to use social media responsibly.
As the debate around social media and its impact on youth continues to evolve, Dr. Murthy called for meaningful safeguards to be put in place by federal legislators to protect children from the negative effects of excessive social media use.
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