Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s call for mandatory warnings on social media regarding its mental health impacts is an important step, but more is needed to address youth addiction to phones. As an expert in adolescent mental health, the author emphasizes the significance of fostering “real-life connections” alongside implementing warning labels and policies. A key solution is using “competing responses” from behavioral psychology, which involves replacing undesirable phone habits with positive activities that engage similar muscles and promote social interaction. The author advocates for reintroducing hobbies—like sports, music, or crafting—over screen time, as these activities provide joy, community, and skill-building opportunities.
