The U.S. surgeon general is warning there is not enough evidence to show that social media is safe for children and teens — and is calling on tech companies,…
The research was revealed in 2021 by whistleblower Frances Haugen. Meta sought to downplay the harmful effects of its platform on teens at the time, but put on hold its work on a kids’ version of Instagram, which the company says is meant mainly for tweens aged 10 to 12.
“We’re asking parents to manage a technology that’s rapidly evolving that fundamentally changes how their kids think about themselves, how they build friendships, how they experience the world — and technology, by the way, that prior generations never had to manage,” Murthy said. “And we’re putting all of that on the shoulders of parents, which is just simply not fair.”
In fact, frequent social media use may be associated with “distinct changes” in the developing brain, and could could increase sensitivity to social rewards and punishments, according to a study cited in the surgeon general’s report. A systematic review of 42 studies found a “consistent relationship between social media use and poor sleep quality, reduced sleep duration, sleep difficulties, and depression among youth.” On a typical weekday, nearly one in three adolescents report using screen media until midnight or later.Article content
“For every family, it may not be feasible to stop your child from using social media or there may be benefit,” Murthy said. “But drawing boundaries around the use of social media in your child’s life so there are times and spaces that are protected, that are tech free, that can be really helpful.”
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
TTC worker hurt when pinned by subway carA TTC worker is in hospital with serious injuries following an industrial accident Sunday morning.
Read more »
Ford’s CEO sees car prices dropping 5%, putting pressure on Tesla - BNN BloombergFord Motor Co. expects auto prices to fall by more than 5% this year and next as dealer inventories grow, and the competitive pressure will take a toll on Tesla Inc.’s dominance of the electric vehicle market.
Read more »
Shootout at Baja California car rally leaves 10 dead, 10 woundedBaja California officials say gunmen in one vehicle opened fire on people and vehicles at the rally.
Read more »
Shootout at Baja California car rally leaves 10 dead, 10 woundedBaja California officials say gunmen in one vehicle opened fire on people and vehicles at the rally.
Read more »