Warning labels needed for social media, says surgeon general

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – In an op-ed in the New York Times, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called for social media companies to set up warning labels on their apps and website, like those you see on cigarette boxes. He wrote their use “is associated with significant mental health harms” for kids.

“These harms to kids have got to stop,” Julie Scelfo, Mother Against Media Addiction founder, said. Scelfo says this an important step forward.

“Spending endless hours on screens is not it,” Scelfo said.

Dr. Murthy said kids who spend more than three hours a day on social media deal with double the risk of anxiety and depression symptoms. Last summer, average daily use in that age group was just below five hours.

“If I had known the things I know now, I never would have allowed my children to have access to social media,” Scelfo said.

However, some critics say the surgeon general should focus on putting parents back in control.

“Putting warning labels is one step away from government controlled free speech,” NetChoice VP Carl Szabo said.

Szabo fears these warning labels will be too general.

“We have difficulty in our society even deciding what books are appropriate for our schools. Now you’re going to tell me politicians are going to decide what’s content and speech is appropriate on social media websites?” Szabo said.

The White House called the op-ed powerful.

“There are risks, making sure that parents are aware, making sure that kids are aware that there is a real risk,” White House Press Secretary Karinne Jean-Pierre said.

They refused to say whether President Biden supports a warning label.

“We want to see a bipartisan approach,” Jean-Pierre said.

The White House urged Congress to take action to protect kids online.

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