{"id":3280,"date":"2024-09-16T15:32:41","date_gmt":"2024-09-16T15:32:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/healthynewsusa.com\/?p=3280"},"modified":"2024-09-16T15:32:42","modified_gmt":"2024-09-16T15:32:42","slug":"a-possible-downside-to-limits-on-teens-access-to-social-media","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/healthynewsusa.com\/?p=3280","title":{"rendered":"A Possible Downside to Limits on Teens\u2019 Access to Social Media"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

In 1982, then-Surgeon General C. Everett Koop<\/strong> warned that video games might be hazardous to young people\u2019s health, a statement he later walked back<\/a>, acknowledging it had no basis in science.<\/p>\n

These days, state and federal policymakers are sounding alarms about the need to protect children from the harmful effects of social media platforms such as TikTok<\/strong>, Instagram<\/strong> and YouTube<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

In June, Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy<\/strong> called for warning labels<\/a> \u2014 like the ones on cigarettes and alcohol \u2014 on social media platforms to alert users that the platforms can harm children\u2019s mental health. The move would require congressional action.<\/p>\n

Separately, the Senate approved <\/a>the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act<\/strong><\/a> and a companion bill, the Children and Teens\u2019 Online Privacy Protection Act, <\/strong>on July 30. And at least 30<\/strong> states have pending legislation<\/a> relating to children and social media \u2014 including age bans, parental consent requirements, and new digital and media literacy courses for K-12 students \u2014 again with a focus on protecting children\u2019s mental well-being.<\/p>\n

Some studies have established only an association between social media use and mental health outcomes. But there are no scientific studies yet that establish a causal relationship between social media use and anxiety, depression or other adverse mental health effects, says the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine<\/strong> and others.<\/p>\n

The emphasis on harm risks overlooking social media\u2019s potential benefits<\/a>, said Linda Charmaraman<\/strong><\/a>, a research scientist and director of the Youth, Media & Wellbeing Research Lab at Wellesley Centers for Women.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Charmaraman has published studies<\/a> showing that for some adolescents who do not see themselves represented broadly in society, especially those who are LGBTQ+ or racial or ethnic minorities, social media can help them connect with others.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re taking away something that could be a lifesaver for somebody by reducing loneliness and isolation, that could be doing more harm than good,\u201d Charmaraman said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt would make a much more long-lasting impact if the surgeon general would talk about prevention and knowledge and education rather than, \u2018There\u2019s this bad product, and we need to warn you,\u2019\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Some research suggests algorithmically driven content can distort reality and spread misinformation; incessant notifications distract attention and disrupt sleep; and the anonymity that sites offer can embolden cyberbullies. And there is research that associates social media use and anxiety and depression.<\/p>\n

But much of social media\u2019s effect can depend on the content children consume, said Jenny Radesky<\/strong><\/a>, a pediatrician and co-director of the American Academy of Pediatrics <\/strong>Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Radesky said she favors Murthy\u2019s call for warning labels.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s really just asking families to tap the brakes and ask, \u2018Is this what my kids need right now?\u2019\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Like her peers and the National Academies, Radesky believes more research is needed to establish a causal effect between social media use and negative youth mental health, particularly for those children whose moods correlate with their use of the platforms.<\/p>\n

\n

This article is not available for syndication due to republishing restrictions. If you have questions about the availability of this or other content for republication, please contact NewsWeb@kff.org<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

\n