Cyberbullying, inappropriate content, addictions… The harmful effects of social networks are already well known, but the US Surgeon General (the American public health authority) has once again decided to sound the alarm. Vivek Murthy, chief of the US Surgeon General, has issued an alert about the possible dangers of social networks in the mental health of children and adolescents.
In a multi-page report, Vivek Murthy points out the lack of security of different networks, especially during a “sensitive period of brain development”, namely childhood and adolescence.
Negative and positive aspects
For Vivek Murthy, this extensive use could ultimately have many health risks: brain development problems that affect areas of emotional learning, behavioral or eating disorders, or even self-image problems. According to the report, 46% of teens ages 13 to 17 say that social media makes them feel worse. Problems that can have dramatic consequences, even suicide.
The words of the US Surgeon General are qualified, however: social networks are not just nests of problems, but can bring benefits for the development of the child or adolescent, such as belonging to a community and connections between people with the same interests.
The US Surgeon General also shows that minorities can find even more positives in social media: “Studies show that social media can support the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ people and other minorities by enabling connections and peer support.
However, on CNN, Vivek Murthy had already claimed not to be in favor of the current age limit on social media, namely 13, believing it was “too young”. However, the report published today does not question this age, but wishes to count on the efforts of five different types of actors to improve the situation: legislators, technology companies, parents, children and researchers. .
Source: BFM TV
