Surgeon General Calls for Social Media Warning Labels to Protect Teens

Cigarettes and alcohol have cautionary notes, he says, while citing research showing high risk for anxiety and depression among heavy users of online networks.

Surgeon General Vivek Murthy speaks during the United States Conference of Mayors' 91st Winter Meeting in Washington on Jan. 18, 2023. Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Surgeon General Vivek Murthy wants social media sites to inform users that there is evidence linking these sites to risks to adolescents’ mental health.

Dr. Murthy made the case for the change in an opinion piece published by The New York Times on June 17.