TENNESSEE, USA — The nation's top doctor is sounding the alarm about the mental health risks of social media for children.
The U.S. Surgeon General wants congressional approval to add a warning label on social media, much like the warnings on cigarettes, but specific to kids.
A Tennessee Republican Representative, Chuck Fleischmann, said he would vote on a plan that would warn young people about risks associated with social media use.
"Many people on social media are young and vulnerable minds. Even though I support the First Amendment, I want to make sure their parents can be protected and they know what is out there," he said. "I will vote to make sure our young people are safe."
According to the Surgeon General, young people average five hours per day on social media. He called on Congress to require warning labels on social media platforms and said it was contributing to a mental health crisis among young people.
He said that the use of just a warning label wouldn't make social media safe for young people, but would be a part of the steps needed. Putting labels on social media platforms would require congressional action, The Associated Press said.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.