Ctrl + Alt + Debate: Virginia’s Attempt to Limit Teen Screen Time
By: Rebecca Herzog
In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory about the impacts of social media on teens.[1] While it found some benefits, it also found that “adolescents who spent more than three hours per day on social media faced double the risk of experiencing poor mental health outcomes, including symptoms of depression and anxiety.”[2] The rapid growth of social media has changed how young people communicate, learn, and interact. These platforms can help teens connect with friends and find supportive communities. However, many researchers are concerned about the effects of heavy use of social media platforms on adolescent mental health.[3] Recent debates in Virginia show the difficulty of balancing the protection of youth with constitutional rights.
