Experts explain social media impacts amid call for warning labels

WASHINGTON (WDEF) — U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has called on congress to require all social media platforms to now display mental health warnings.  Dr. Murthy is proposing adding notifications that remind users of risks, similar to tobacco warning labels.

Vice President Gayle Lodato of the McNabb Center in Chattanooga talks about how social media can negatively impact children. 

“Parents and any caregivers that work with children really need to be aware of any harmful effects of social media and other platforms. The impact that it has on younger developing brains causes depression and anxiety. We’ve even seen some of our clients here be the victim of bullying and targeting,” said Lodato. 

Murthy has emphasized that social media is not proven safe for young minds. He says spending too much time online can cause anxiety and depression symptoms.  

“With our knowledge, we can all have harmful effects of anything we’re exposed to. But what we can do to try and keep ourselves and our children safe, you can’t go wrong with that,” said Gayle Lodato.

As social media grows, mental health more than ever is now a priority in children’s mental health. Experts say finding ways to reduce screen time will be beneficial.

Dr. Murthy hopes with a warning label parents and children will be more cautious to the dangers social media can have.