JAKARTA - The US Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, warned in a report on Tuesday May 23 that social media could seriously endanger the mental health of young people, especially teenage girls. He also called for protection from technology companies for children who are experiencing a critical stage of brain development.
Vivek Murthy said that although social media offers some benefits, there are "sufficient indicators that social media can also harm children's welfare."
"We are facing a national mental health crisis among young people, and I am concerned that social media is one of the important factors of the crisis - which we must deal with immediately," Murthy said.
The use of social media can cause and worsen body image problems, affect diet and sleep quality, and lead to social comparisons and low self-esteem, especially among teenage girls. This appears in the report, citing the results of a survey conducted among teenagers.
Teenagers who spend more than three hours a day on social media face twice the risk of experiencing poor mental health problems, such as symptoms of depression and anxiety, according to the report.
Most teens say that social media helps them feel more accepted, more supported in difficult times, connect more with their friends, and be more creative, the report added.
The report says policymakers must strengthen security standards in a way that improves these benefits for children of all ages, while noting that inappropriate and harmful content remains accessible to children.
Tech companies must comply with age restrictions to control access to social media platforms, and be transparent about data on the impact their products have on children, the report urged.
The platform's algorithms and designs should try to maximize the potential benefits of social media rather than the features designed to make users spend more time in it, the report states.
"The first principle in health services is not detrimental - it is the same standard that we must apply to social media platforms," said Saul Levin, CEO of the American Psychiatric Association.
This report includes suggestions about what parents, technology companies, as well as children and adolescents can do to avoid dangerous risks and make social media experiences more positive.
These suggestions include making family media plans, encouraging face-to-face friendship, talking to children about how they spend their online time, and encouraging them to seek help if needed.
The report also includes reminders about the new 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline "if you or someone you know are experiencing a mental health crisis."
In an era where social media has become an important part of the lives of young people, this report highlights the importance of understanding and overcoming the negative impacts it can have. By encouraging the protection of children, the transparency of technology companies, and policies that strengthen security standards, it is hoped that it can reduce the adverse effects of social media on the mental health of young people.
The level of participation and role of parents, teachers, and policymakers in providing appropriate guidance and support for children is very important to protect the younger generation from the negative effects of social media and ensure a more positive and healthy online experience.
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