science
Surgeon General’s Office Issues Advisory on Screen Time Harms for Youth
The surgeon general’s office released an advisory warning that excessive screen time can contribute to sleep problems, anxiety, depression and other health issues in children and adolescents. The report urges parents, schools and technology companies to limit device use and promote in-person activities.
May 20, 2:35 PM·2m read2 sources
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The surgeon general’s office issued an advisory on Wednesday warning that excessive screen time can contribute to sleep problems, anxiety, depression, alcohol use and other health harms among children and adolescents. The report calls on young people to “live real life” and spend more time outside. It urges parents to set boundaries around technology and delay screen time for as long as possible.
The advisory highlights social media platforms as a primary concern but also flags artificial intelligence chatbots and gambling platforms within the broader digital ecosystem. It recommends that schools ban phones during classes and that doctors ask about screen use during annual checkups.
The report suggests specific screen time limits: none for children under 18 months, less than one hour per day for children under six, and two hours per day for ages six to 18. It encourages families to create media plans and remove devices from bedrooms overnight.
The advisory asks technology companies to design products for user well-being rather than engagement and to display warnings about screen time harms before each use. It calls on policymakers to pursue stronger parental controls, age requirements for some platforms, and funding for research on screen use impacts.
The report notes that evidence on screen use effects is still evolving but states the nation cannot wait for every question to be settled before acting.
The advisory comes from the surgeon general’s office even though the position has remained vacant since January 2025. The Trump administration withdrew its first two nominees and has not yet confirmed a replacement. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
will unveil the report at an event in Iowa on Wednesday. Iowa enacted a law last year limiting cellphone use in schools. " — Report excerpt A previous surgeon general advisory under the Biden administration called for warning labels on social media and highlighted potential mental health risks for young people.
