Ariel Roblin: Gun violence, social media and addressing public health
We need leaders who are not afraid to address topics.
We need leaders who are not afraid to address topics.
We need leaders who are not afraid to address topics.
Last week, the U.S. surgeon general, Dr. Vivek Murthy, declared gun violence a public health crisis.
He also issued an advisory about the effects social media has on kids' mental health.
And before the naysayers start discounting these warnings, just stop and take a look at the facts.
There is growing evidence social media use is associated with harm to young people's brain development and mental health.
Excessive use can lead to depression, anxiety and even suicide.
Meanwhile, the rate of firearm-related deaths reached a nearly three-decade high in 2021, driven by spikes in gun homicides and firearm suicides.
Think about it: gun violence and social media use negatively affect our health.
Yet the rate of use and damage it causes continues to increase.
Sounds a lot like the tobacco or the opioid crisis, as in, someone is getting rich while America is getting sick and dying way too young.
Murthy is calling for a public health approach to guide our strategy and actions.
That means we need leaders who are not afraid to address topics.
Just because you discuss them doesn't mean anyone is taking your guns or shutting off social media.
It means we can have an honest conversation about healthy limitations and best practices for the good of the people.
Taking greed and politics out of the genuine health of the people is vital to the strength and health of our nation.
Ariel Roblin is the president and general manager of KCRA 3 and My58. See more of her editorials here.