PORTLAND (WGME) — Doctors say loneliness is just as dangerous as smoking.
On Friday, the U.S. Surgeon General joined Gov. Janet Mills at the University of Southern Maine to speak about the importance of social interaction.
Last year, the Surgeon General published recommendations on the risks to public health from increasing loneliness and isolation.
Dr. Vivek Murthy calls this an “urgent public health crisis” along with smoking, obesity and substance use disorders.
He says the pandemic and social media are responsible for much of the isolation today.
“I think there has been an increase in young people tethering to their phones because of the pandemic,” Murthy said. The difference between their behavior and that of their friends before and after the pandemic. ”
The governor was asked about banning cell phones in schools.
She said it’s not a statewide mandate, but it’s good practice.
