The general surgeon warns social media ahead with the psychological crisis in teenagers

The general surgeon warns social media ahead with the psychological crisis in teenagers

The well -known advocate of mental health, General surgeon Vivek Murthy, warned of the effects of social media on the mental health of young people. He emphasizes that the increasing use of social media leads primarily to an increase in problems such as depression and anxiety in American youth.

Murthy's latest report, which was published on Tuesday, a great deal of concern on the impact on the effects of social media engagement on the psychological well-being of children and adolescents. It advocates a stronger participation of political decision-makers and social media companies to support parents in the control and administration of the social media consumption of young people.

murthy recognizes the mental health of young people as a central health problem of our time and urgently calls on political decision-makers to enforce strict security standards in order to protect young people from harmful content and to restrict their excessive use of social media platforms.

"We have to take measures to ensure the security of our children on social media, since there is no sufficient evidence of the security of these media," argued Murthy. "It is high time to protect our children."

The report summarizes research results that highlight a negative connection between the use of social media and mental health in young people. For example, a study from 2019 showed that teenagers who spend more than three hours on social media platforms every day are exposed to twice as high risk of showing poor psychological symptoms, including signs of depression and anxiety. Discover the full study here.

According to the latest data, pupils of the eighth and tenth grade spend an average of three hours and thirty minutes a day on social media platforms.

The founder of Common Sense Media, Jim Steyer, praised the recommendation as a wake -up call and asked all parents and political decision -makers to focus on this growing problem. Popular platforms such as TikK, Snapchat and Instagram are popular with teenagers.

The caution of the general surgeon comes against the background of a drastic increase in depression, sadness and hopelessness among teenagers in the past decade, especially in girls.

"Around 2012, depression began to gain teenagers, which brings up with the advent of smartphones and the popularity of" likes "on articles," observed Jean Twenge, psychology professor at the San Diego State University and author of "Generations: The Real Differences Between Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomer and Silent and Silent and Silent and Silent. what they mean for America's future. “

twenge also blamed the more sophisticated algorithms to bind users to social media platforms over a longer period of time.

The report attributed the increase in eating disorders, body dysmorphia and low self -esteem among teenagers to the excessive use of social media. In addition, there is a suspected connection between the excessive use of social media and the attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in teenagers.

twenge argues that social media influence mental health in different ways. Reduced sleep and restricted personal social interaction as well as the feeling of exclusion and unhealthy comparisons damage to mental health.

"The emotional effect of the perfect selfies can be harmful, regardless of the intellectual understanding of the effort behind it," emphasized Twenge.

What is the solution?

The general surgeon report contained recommendations for both technology companies and legislators.

"Political decision -makers have to introduce strict security standards to protect our children from harmful content and excessive use," advised Murthy. This also includes a stricter enforcement of age restrictions.

The report suggests that technology companies should develop improved tools to protect young people and minimize functions that tempt them to go for a longer online presence.

parents are on the battlefield and help teenagers to find their way around the digital world. The report recommends the establishment of "technology -free" zones at home and the introduction of conversations on the emotional effects of social media.

"It is unjust to push all responsibility to the parents. Isn't it time that the industry is held responsible for the development of addictive platforms?" Asked Steyer from Common Sense Media. "A nationwide discussion is urgently needed."

When is it appropriate for children to start using social media?

technology companies usually determine the minimum age for use at 13 years. Nevertheless, the report showed that almost 40 % of 8- to 12-year-olds use social media.

Murthy argued that even for 13 years was too young for social media, but admitted that there was a lack of data to determine a suitable age.

twenge suggested that the minimum age to be raised to 16 years. "If we are now implementing regulations, we could spare the next generation," said Twenge.

Additional tips and ideas:

• • Encourage children to physical activities, play outdoors and personal interaction to compensate for the time in front of the screen.
  • inform children and adolescents about the possible negative effects of the use of social media and bring them a responsible handling of it.
  • take a good example by maintaining healthy social media habits.
  • use child safety and surveillance tools that are provided by many social media platforms.
  • keep the communication channels open. Talk about what you encounter online, your feelings and the concept of "social media vs. reality".