- Social media use by young people is nearly universal, with up to 95% of young people ages 13-17 reporting using a social media platform and more than a third saying they use social media “almost constantly.”
- US Surgeon General found that there isn't enough evidence to indicate whether social media use is safe. However, he stated that it is an area that needs to be fully understood and needs to be addressed as a driver for youth mental health crisis.
- Recent research shows that adolescents who spend more than three hours per day on social media face double the risk of experiencing poor mental health outcomes, such as symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Studies have also shown a relationship between social media use and poor sleep quality, reduced sleep duration, sleep difficulties, and depression among youth.
We have the responsibility as a society to ensure that youth are using social media in a healthy and responsible way. More regulations need to be applied and policy makers needs to collaborate with doctors, parents, companies and other experts to get this more under control.
The article includes some links and PDF files that make the Surgeon General's recommendations.
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