Warning: This episode contains mentions of bullying and suicide. A rising tide of mental health problems among teenagers has sent parents, teachers and doctors searching for answers. This week, the U.S. surgeon general, Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, offered one: social media. Today, Dr. Murthy discusses his proposal to require platforms such as YouTube, TikTok and Instagram to include warning labels, like those that appear on tobacco and alcohol products.
From the New York Times, I'm Sabrina.
Tavernisi, and this is the daily.
A rising tide of mental health problems.
Among teens has sent parents, teachers, and doctors searching for answers.
This week, the nation's top doctor offered one.
Today, I talked with Surgeon General Vivek Morthi about his plan to take on what he sees as a central threat facing american teens.
Social media.
It's Friday, June 21.
Doctor Morthy, nice to see you.
Hey, Sabrina.
It's good to see you, too.
You can call me Vivek, by the way.
I'm very informal.
Vivek.
Okay.
Well, you know, being the nation's top doctor, I'm inclined to call you doctor, but we can go with Vivek.
I'll tell you, Sabrina, I still think of Doctor Murthy as my dad.
Aha.
Interesting.
So you are the country's surgeon general, and we're talking to you today because earlier this week, you made a pretty big announcement about the dangers of social media for young people, and you suggested.