Limits on social media use could affect mental health help for teens
Health News tamfitronics The effects of social media on young people's mental health are not well known. But that hasn't stopped Congress, state legislatures and the U.S. surgeon general from moving ahead with age-based bans and warning labels for YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.The emphasis on the harmful effects of social media may cause policymakers to overlook the mental health benefits it provides to teens, say researchers, pediatricians and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.In June, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, the nation’s top physician, called for banner warnings on social media platforms. On July 30, the Senate passed the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act and the Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act. And at least 30 states have pending legislation related to young people and social media, from age bans and parental consent...
