New surgeon general’s advisory raises alarm about screen time risks for kids and teens

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released a surgeon general’s advisory on Wednesday warning that excessive screen time among children and teens—including social media, gaming, and texting—can harm mental and physical health. The report notes that screen exposure often begins before age one and increases with age, with adolescents spending more time on screens than sleeping or attending school, averaging four or more hours daily. The advisory highlights risks such as poor sleep, reduced school performance, less physical activity, and weakened in-person relationships. It includes a toolkit with recommendations, such as no screen time for children under 18 months, less than one hour per day for ages under six, and two hours per day for ages six to 18. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasized that while screen use has benefits, evidence of risks to children’s health is growing. The advisory addresses the broader digital ecosystem, including smartphones, tablets, chatbots, and online interactions like gaming and gambling. The report calls for action from families, schools, healthcare providers, policymakers, and tech companies. Recommendations include tracking screen time, prioritizing non-screen activities, creating family media plans, implementing school cell phone policies, and studying long-term screen impacts. Policymakers are urged to support parental controls and child safety laws. The advisory aligns with prior guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics, which suggests varying screen time limits based on age and family needs. The report aims to encourage a balanced, screen-reduced lifestyle for children and teens.