This post originally appeared at https://wifamilycouncil.org/radio/us-surgeon-general-warns-about-social-media/

Earlier this week, the US Surgeon General offered the federal government’s starkest warning to date over the ways social media may harm young users’ mental health. In a public advisory, Vivek Murthy said there are “ample indicators” that social media poses a “profound risk of harm” to children’s mental health and development. The country’s foremost doctor said there’s simply not enough data currently available to determine if social media is “sufficiently safe” for children and adolescents.

For years we’ve been warning parents about digital devices in general and social media apps in particular. The advisory says up to 95 percent of teens and 40 percent of kids between eight and twelve are on social networks. These apps regularly expose children and teens to extreme or harmful content. The message? Parents, please protect your children!

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