Health Department Issues Advisory on Screen Use for Children

The Department of Health and Human Services issued a new advisory on screen use by children. The advisory states that screen time often begins before a child's first birthday and warns that excessive use can affect mental health, sleep, and social development.

A study of more than 10,000 teenagers published in The Lancet found greater social media use linked to online harassment, poor sleep, low self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, and higher rates of depressive symptoms. Research published in JAMA Pediatrics showed that children who use screens before bedtime experience shorter sleep duration and poorer sleep quality, which the advisory connects to worse academic performance and mood instability.

Increased screen time can also displace other activities. The advisory notes that time spent on digital media reduces time for social interaction, physical activity, reading, and outdoor play. Studies indicate that higher screen use lowers the amount and quality of interactions between children and caregivers, which may affect social and emotional growth.

Frequent social media use is associated with changes in the amygdala, the brain region that regulates emotions, according to the advisory. The advisory states that these changes suggest the adolescent brain may be susceptible to external influences such as social media.

The advisory also identifies benefits of screen use.

Educational media can support learning, literacy, and problem-solving skills. Interactive programs have been shown to improve vocabulary acquisition and student engagement, while certain games can enhance problem-solving abilities. Online communities may help adolescents who feel socially isolated, including those with disabilities or chronic illnesses.

Moderate screen use can allow socially anxious individuals to practice communication skills in a low-pressure setting. The advisory recommends delaying screen use from an early age, setting clear expectations between caregivers and children, creating regular screen-free periods, and offering alternatives so that screens are not the default activity when children are bored.