The United States surgeon general said that social media can pose substantial and meaningful risks to the mental health of teenagers, a statement that will give extra motivation to members of Congress calling for new rules for Big Tech.

Surgeon General Vivek Murthy released an advisory on Tuesday that reviewed the risks of social media use on teenage brains and bodies. Murthy said that while the effects on teen mental health are not entirely understood, there are indicators that social media can harm the mental health of teenagers and children.

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"Frequent social media use may be associated with distinct changes in the developing brain in the amygdala (important for emotional learning and behavior) and the prefrontal cortex (important for impulse control, emotional regulation, and moderating social behavior), and could increase sensitivity to social rewards and punishments," the report says.

Other noted harms include excess exposure to inappropriate content, such as suicide or self-harm, and damage caused by features designed to promote addictive behavior.

The report also notes the positive benefits for teenagers, including creating online communities for those with similar identities and interests.

Murthy asked lawmakers to pass more robust protections for teenagers online, including age-appropriate health and safety standards, higher data protection, and ensuring the sharing of data from the platforms with researchers. He also called on Big Tech companies to organize "transparent and independent" reviews of the technology's impact on teenagers' mental health.

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Several bills are under consideration in Congress that could affect this element of social media. Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) are making a revamped version of their Kids Online Safety Act, which would force platforms to take steps to prevent a defined set of harms to minors, including the promotion of suicide, substance abuse, sexual exploitation, and drug or alcohol use. It would also require the platforms to offer options for limiting screen time, restricting addictive features, and limiting access to user profiles.

State lawmakers are attempting to pass similar bills. These include California's Age-Appropriate Design Code, which Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law last fall. Now, other states are trying to fall in line with him.