U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has called on tech companies and lawmakers to take immediate action to protect the mental health of children and adolescents on social media platforms.
Despite years of inaction by both policymakers and social media companies, parents and young people can still take action to navigate the changing and potentially harmful world of addictive apps, extreme content and secretive algorithms found on platforms including Snapchat, TikTok and Instagram.
The surgeon general’s advice includes reaching out for help if social media is having a negative impact and referring to guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Other tips for young people include creating boundaries for social media use, such as limiting device use before bedtime and during mealtimes or in-person gatherings. It also recommends connecting with others in person and making unconnected interactions a daily priority to build social bonds through two-way conversations.
Additionally, young people are advised to be cautious about the personal information they share online and to whom they share it with, as it can often be permanent and public. Moreover, they should not keep harassment or abuse a secret and reach out to a trusted individual for support. Resources such as stopbullying.gov and Love is Respect provide guidance on how to report cyberbullying and online harassment. If a young person’s private images have been taken and shared without permission, they can visit Take It Down for help in removing them from online platforms.
Parents and caregivers are advised to create a family media plan by establishing agreed-upon expectations for healthy technology boundaries at home, including social media use.
This can promote open family discussion and rules about media use such as balancing screen/online time, content boundaries, and not disclosing personal information.
In addition, they are advised to establish tech-free zones for children, including restricting electronics use before bedtime and during mealtimes. Parents can help children build social skills and nurture their in-person relationships by encouraging unstructured and offline connections with others.
Parents can model responsible behavior by setting a good example of healthy social media use, including limiting their own use and being mindful of their habits when sharing information or content about their child.
Parents should also empower children by teaching them about technology and responsible online participation at the appropriate age.
They should have open discussions about the benefits and risks of social media, respecting privacy, and protecting personal information in age-appropriate ways. Parents can also talk with their children about who they are connecting with online, their privacy settings, online experiences, and time spent online.