Why not extend protection for children from smoking and gambling to shielding them from social media as well?

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is no longer just for old people, according to my first-year medical students. It has evolved into a platform predominantly used by individuals over the age of 30 who engage in government discussions about Covid-19 policies, as well as families sharing graduation photos and outdated memes. Meanwhile, Snapchat has become the preferred communication tool for young people, especially teenagers. With over 21 million monthly active users in the UK, reaching 90% of 13- to 24-year-olds and 75% of 13- to 34-year-olds, Snapchat has become an integral part of their daily lives, with an average of more than 50 daily app usage sessions.

In the past, parenting focused on physical safety, where allowing a moody 14-year-old to stay alone in their room was considered sufficient protection. Parents had control over their children’s environment and the content they consumed. However, in today’s digital era, children may be physically safe in their rooms but are exposed to a virtual world with limited regulation. They are confronted with the challenge of navigating through an abundance of content while balancing social communication with friends and protecting themselves from harmful and explicit materials or predatory influencers.

Teenagers and parents face additional challenges posed by addictive and compulsive app designs. Many social media platforms turn interactions into games, fostering addictive behaviors. Snapchat, for instance, introduced the “Snapstreak” feature, which encourages users to maintain a streak by sharing a picture with each contact consecutively. This constant availability on the app can impact both teenagers’ well-being and their safety. Disappearing messages, a popular feature introduced by Snapchat, limits parents’ ability to monitor their child’s online activities, while location-sharing features further raise concerns about privacy and safety.

The potential negative impact of these apps is receiving increasing attention. The US surgeon general, Vivek Murthy, recently issued an “advisory” on the effects of social media use on young people’s mental health, highlighting the lack of evidence supporting its safety and the growing evidence linking it to harm. The president of the American Medical Association, Jack Resneck Jr., even went as far as to describe social media as introducing “profound risk and mental health harms” to young users.

Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control Youth Risk Behavior survey in 2021 paint a worrying picture. A significant percentage of high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness, and a concerning number had contemplated suicide. Research also indicates that spending more than three hours per day on social media doubles the risk of depression and anxiety among adolescents. Furthermore, social media negatively impacts body image, with almost half of adolescents feeling worse about their appearance, and the exposure to hate-based content is a reality for 64% of this age group. However, these same children find it difficult to give up social media, with many expressing feelings of addiction.

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Bath demonstrated the positive effects of a week-long social media break. Participants reported significant improvements in well-being, depression, and anxiety compared to those who continued using social media regularly.

It is increasingly recognized by experts in the field that social media use has negative chronic health effects. Consequently, there is a growing need for governmental intervention to regulate social media companies and protect vulnerable users, especially children. Similar to regulations surrounding tobacco, alcohol, and gambling, guidelines should be established to ensure that private companies do not sell products with potential negative health impacts to children. Collaborative efforts between governments and social media companies can lead to the prioritization of user safety and health in product design and development.

However, resistance from companies can be expected as their financial interests are aligned with increasing user screen time. The longer users spend on their platforms, the more revenue these companies generate, with the majority of their income coming from advertising. Unfortunately, this revenue stream may come at the expense of the mental health of the younger generation.

In response to the growing concerns, a group of US senators introduced the “Protecting Kids on Social Media Bill” in April 2023. This legislation aims to establish a minimum age requirement of 13 for social media use, require parental consent for users between 13 and 18, and prohibit certain algorithms from targeting young users.

As Senator Brian Schatz stated, “The growing evidence is clear: social media is making more kids more depressed and wreaking havoc on their mental health. While kids are suffering, social media companies are profiting. This needs to stop.” Public regulation can address this issue by ensuring that private companies adhere to guidelines that protect vulnerable users.