U.S. Surgeon General Proposes Warning Labels for Social Media

U.S. Surgeon, General Dr. Vivek Murthy, has proposed mandatory warning labels on social media platforms to address rising concerns about adolescent mental health. Murthy highlighted that teenagers spending over three hours daily on these platforms face doubled the risks of anxiety and depression.

Murthy argues for regulatory measures similar to those protecting consumers from physical hazards such as unsafe vehicles or food, stressing the urgent need to address mental health risks associated with unregulated social media usage. calls for parental vigilance and legislative intervention to safeguard adolescents’ well-being.

While Murthy’s proposal awaits Congressional review, it represents a significant recognition of social media as a public health concern comparable to past regulatory challenges. As digital interactions become increasingly integrated into teens’ daily lives, Murthy’s recommendation aims to empower parents and compel platforms to prioritize user safety. The outcome of this call to action in galvanizing legislative response remains uncertain, but it marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse on digital health and youth welfare.