The U-S surgeon general is urging Congress to pass legislation requiring warning labels on social media, an idea that’s gaining traction among some mental health professionals in Iowa who treat teenagers. Jeff Reiland (RY-land), a child and family therapist with Gundersen Health System, says a host of studies confirm that too much social media can poison a child’s wellbeing.

He says there have long been concerns among parents, school leaders and mental health professionals about the impact social media is having on America’s young people.

Putting a warning label on social media won’t magically fix the problem, Rieland says, but it may be a good first step.

If a kid sees his mom, dad or both spending a lot of time on social media, Rieland says that’s a key driver in the child devoting more time to the screen.

Not all social media is bad, Rieland says, noting how it was the only way kids could connect during the pandemic. Gundersen Health System has clinics in Calmar, Decorah, Fayette, Lansing, Postville and Waukon, and a hospital in West Union.

Matt Kelly, Radio Iowa