Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have come under scrutiny for their potential harmful effects on young people, particularly adolescents. US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has echoed these concerns, advocating for warning labels to be added to these apps to highlight their risks. While a warning label alone may not make social media safe for youth, it can raise awareness and potentially influence behavior, similar to the impact of tobacco warnings. However, implementing such labeling would require legislation from the US Congress.

Murthy’s call to action aligns with longstanding worries from youth advocates and lawmakers who have criticized social media platforms for issues such as shortened attention spans, negative body image problems, and increased vulnerability to online bullying and predators.

In January, CEOs from TikTok, Snap, Meta Platforms (owner of Facebook and Instagram), as well as representatives from other social media platforms faced tough questioning from US senators during a hearing on online child safety. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham accused them of failing to protect young users from sexual predators.

Currently, some US states are taking steps to safeguard children from the negative impacts of social media. New York lawmakers recently passed legislation prohibiting social media platforms from exposing users under 18 to “addictive” algorithmic content without parental consent. In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill banning children under 14 from using social media platforms without parental consent.

Overall, while there is growing concern about the dangers of social media for young people, the debate continues on how best to address these issues effectively. It remains to be seen whether warning labels will be enough or if further regulatory measures will be necessary in the future.