U.S. Surgeon General’s Call to Action: Empowering students to handle the pressure online
Be sure to check out the suggested Huddle question at the bottom of this article to discuss this important topic with your students in class, if you feel it is appropriate.
In his recent article in The New York Times, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy urges Congress to mandate a tobacco-style warning on social media platforms. These warnings would alert users, especially students and caregivers, to the potential mental health effects, such as anxiety and depression symptoms. Murthy emphasizes that collaborative efforts from Congress, social media companies, caregivers, and educators are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure a safer online experience for students.
Despite the concerns raised by Dr. Murthy, social media, when used positively, offers many benefits. It can be a valuable tool for learning, creativity, and community building. Educators can help students leverage these positives by encouraging a balanced approach to social media use. Additionally, creating a dialogue on the importance of reaching out when facing mental health challenges is vital to keeping students safe, happy, and healthy. As trusted figures, educators play a pivotal role in fostering an environment where students feel comfortable discussing their concerns and seeking support when needed. By promoting this open communication, educators can empower students to navigate social media responsibly and handle the pressure to positively contribute to their overall well-being.
Surgeon general wants a tobacco-style warning for social media platforms
On June 17th, 2024, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy urged Congress to mandate warning labels on social media platforms similar to those on tobacco products. In his recent op-ed for The New York Times, Murthy emphasized that social media poses significant risks, linking prolonged use to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts among students. “Evidence from tobacco studies shows that warning labels can increase awareness and change behavior,” Murthy explained. He also underscored the need for awareness about these potential harms, advocating for measures from Congress, social media companies, caregivers, and other stakeholders to mitigate risks and ensure safer online environments for students. Here at The Social Institute, we believe students are pivotal in fostering a positive online world. By empowering students to develop the habits necessary to handle the pressure of social media and tech, such as filling their feeds with positive content and taking social media breaks when necessary, they can navigate their social world more positively.
Murthy’s call for action follows his 2023 U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the potential harms of social media on students. The advisory touched on issues such as the effects of exposure to harmful content like violence and bullying. Despite acknowledging social media’s role in fostering community and self-expression, Murthy stressed its negative effects on sleep, personal relationships, and overall well-being. He emphasized the need for more conclusive research on the exact impacts of social media while urging platforms to take proactive steps to prioritize mental health over profit.
In addition to the challenges highlighted by Dr. Murthy regarding social media’s impact on student mental health, it’s equally important to recognize the platform’s potential for positive influence. Social media is not going away, and for students, social media is how they are social and interact with the world around them. Tech and social media platforms provide invaluable opportunities for students— with 80% of students saying that the content they see on social media makes them feel more connected to their friends’ lives. In fact, 71% say social media is a place where they can share their creativity, and 67% say these platforms make them feel like they have people to support them through challenging times.
“We have the expertise, resources, and tools to make social media safe for our kids. Now is the time to summon the will to act,” says Murthy, whose goal to improve the popular platforms is an aspiration for educators, caregivers, and students all share. However, it’s crucial to approach this issue with a focus on empowering students, rather than scaring them. Recognizing that most students will inevitably use social media, the priority lies in teaching students how to use it responsibly. By taking a positive approach to social media, one that encourages students to navigate it in a way that fuels their health and happiness, educators can foster positive social media habits in students that will last them the rest of their lives.
TSI’s Take
With over 4.95 billion people worldwide using social media, it’s clear that social media is here to stay for the foreseeable future. That’s why it’s more important than ever to empower and equip students on how to handle the pressure and navigate the challenges of social media and tech in a way that supports their well-being.
Educators are crucial in guiding students to understand and manage social media and its impact on their lives through support and educational strategies. Here are some tips for empowering students to handle the pressure of social media:
- Take time away: Encourage students to prioritize their mental well-being by setting boundaries with social media and taking breaks to engage in offline activities.
- Seek support: Empower your students to reach out to trusted adults for guidance and resources when facing mental health challenges.
- Scout out positivity: Emphasize the importance of actively creating a positive online environment for oneself. This involves following uplifting accounts, positive influencers, and engaging in constructive interactions online.
Empowering students with the knowledge and skills to navigate social media in positive, high-character ways ensures they benefit from its advantages and thrive online and offline. For more on how to empower your students to handle the pressure of social media and tech, contact us today.
#WinAtSocial Huddle Question
Huddle with your students
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has proposed tobacco-style warning labels on social media platforms, aimed at addressing their impact on mental health among students. How can you use social media in a way that enhances your learning and creativity while also protecting your mental well-being?
The Social Institute (TSI) is the leader in empowering students by understanding students. Through #WinAtSocial, our gamified, peer-to-peer learning platform, we equip students, educators, and families to navigate their social world – in the classroom and beyond, online and offline – in healthy, high-character ways. Our unique, student-respected approach empowers and equips, rather than scares and restricts. We incorporate timely topics about social media, tech use, and current events that are impacting student well-being and learning. #WinAtSocial Lessons teach life skills for the modern day, capture student voice, and provide school leaders with actionable insights. Through these insights, students play an essential role in school efforts to support their own health, happiness, and future success as we enable high-impact teaching, meaningful family conversations, and a healthy school culture.