Surgeon General Warns About Harmful Screen Time for Kids
A new US Department of Health and Human Services advisory warns that excessive screen use among children and teenagers has become a growing public health concern in the United States.
The report highlights risks tied to prolonged use of smartphones, tablets, social media, gaming platforms and other digital devices. Officials say heavy screen exposure may negatively affect sleep, school performance, physical activity and in-person relationships.
The advisory was released Wednesday while the Trump administration still awaits Senate confirmation of a permanent U.S. surgeon general.
Advisory warns children spend too much time on screens
According to the report, screen exposure often begins before a child’s first birthday and increases steadily through adolescence.
Officials say many teenagers now spend:
- More time on screens than sleeping
- More time on screens than attending school
- Four or more hours daily on devices
Nearly half of adolescents also admit they lose track of how much time they spend on their phones.
The advisory says excessive screen use may contribute to:
- Worse sleep quality
- Reduced physical activity
- Poorer academic functioning
- Weaker face-to-face relationships
Recommended screen time limits for children
The advisory includes a toolkit with suggested limits for families.
Recommendations include:
- No screen time for children under 18 months
- Less than one hour daily for children under age 6
- Around two hours daily for children ages 6 to 18
Officials also recommend that children finish homework, chores and extracurricular activities before using screens recreationally.
The guidance echoes earlier recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, which has long advised parents to focus on healthy and balanced media habits.
New “5 Ds” strategy for healthier screen habits
The advisory introduces five strategies designed to reduce harmful screen use.
The “5 Ds” include:
- Discuss healthy screen use
- Do model positive behavior
- Delay screen exposure for young children
- Divert attention toward offline activities
- Disconnect regularly from screens
Families are encouraged to create media plans that set rules around:
- Which devices children may use
- Appropriate content
- Screen-free times
- Screen-free locations in the home
Schools and tech companies face new recommendations
The advisory calls on schools, healthcare providers, policymakers and technology companies to take stronger action.
Recommendations include:
- Cell phone restrictions in schools
- More assignments completed on paper instead of screens
- Annual pediatric visits that include screen-use discussions
- Stronger parental controls on apps and devices
- Age verification protections online
- Warning labels about harmful screen behaviors
The report also urges researchers to study long-term effects tied to screen use and social media.
Experts say not all screen time is harmful
Some researchers cautioned against treating all screen use as equally dangerous.
Courtney Blackwell said the relationship between screens and children’s health remains complex.
Educational programming, online communities and moderated digital interactions may still offer benefits for some children and teens.
Experts note that:
- Educational content differs from algorithm-driven entertainment
- Some adolescents find emotional support online
- Different children respond differently to digital media
Researchers focus on addictive screen behavior
J. John Mann argued that public health efforts should focus more specifically on addictive behaviors tied to screens.
The advisory describes harmful use patterns such as:
- Emotional withdrawal from screens
- Inability to stop using devices
- Continued screen use despite negative consequences
A 2025 study published in JAMA linked addictive screen use among adolescents with significantly higher risks of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Trump administration connects advisory to “Be Best” initiative
The report says the framework builds on first lady Melania Trump’s “Be Best” initiative, which focused on children’s online safety and cyberbullying.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wrote that harmful screen use extends beyond social media alone.
He said concerns also include:
- Gaming
- Online gambling
- Chatbots
- Digital addiction patterns
Kennedy described the advisory as both a warning and “an invitation” for families to reconnect with activities beyond screens.
Questions remain over surgeon general vacancy
The advisory arrives while the United States still lacks a confirmed surgeon general.
President Donald Trump has changed nominees for the role multiple times during his second term.
Currently, Nicole Saphier awaits Senate confirmation.
Until then, senior officials within HHS are overseeing public health advisories and communications.
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