#51 Is 13 too young to be on social media?

A few weeks back US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said he believes 13 is too young for children to be on social media platforms because although sites allow children of that age to join, kids are still “developing their identity.”

Today, I want to discuss that viral interview in more detail and have an open, honest conversation about whether or not kids under the age of 13 should be on social media!
This is the CNN interview with US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy: https://edition.cnn.com/2023/01/29/health/surgeon-general-social-media/index.html
Research mentioned in the podcast
Children and parents: Media use and attitudes report 2019: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0023/190616/children-media-use-attitudes-2019-report.pdf
Tweens, Teens, and Phones: What Our 2019 Research Reveals: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/kids-action/articles/tweens-teens-and-phones-what-our-2019-research-reveals

Sharing too soon? Children and social media apps: https://mottpoll.org/reports/sharing-too-soon-children-and-social-media-apps
MRIs show screentime linked to lower brain development in preschoolers: https://edition.cnn.com/2019/11/04/health/screen-time-lower-brain-development-preschoolers-wellness/index.html
Raised on Porn: https://raisedonporn.com/
Cyberbullying: Twenty Crucial Statistics for 2023: https://www.security.org/resources/cyberbullying-facts-statistics/
Children, Screens and Obesity: https://www.childrenandscreens.com/findings/obesity/
Is TikTok Causing Tics in Teens Girls? https://health.clevelandclinic.org/tiktok-causing-tics-in-teen-girls/

ABOUT CASSIE
Cassie is an ex-social media strategist turned certified digital wellbeing consultant, coach and speaker. She's on a mission to help individuals and organizations navigate the digital landscape, improve your overall wellbeing, and equip you with the tools necessary to thrive in a tech-driven future.
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