WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal health officials are urging schools, parents, technology companies, and lawmakers to take immediate action as children and teenagers spend record amounts of time on phones, tablets, gaming systems, and social media platforms linked to rising mental health and developmental concerns.
What This Means for You
- Federal health officials warn excessive screen use may contribute to anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and developmental issues in children.
- Parents are being advised to watch for warning signs including secrecy, irritability, and withdrawal from offline activities.
- Schools and technology companies are being encouraged to limit harmful digital habits and strengthen online safety protections.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Surgeon General released a new advisory and toolkit warning about the risks associated with excessive screen use among children and adolescents.
The report states that young people now spend as much or more time on screens as they do sleeping or attending school. Federal estimates show adolescents average seven to nine hours daily on entertainment-related screens, with many using devices immediately before bed.
An advisory is a formal public health warning intended to highlight risks and provide recommendations for reducing harm.
Officials Cite Mental and Physical Health Concerns
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. connected increased screen use to broader health concerns affecting children nationwide.
“Children today spend more time on screens than sleeping, exercising, or engaging face-to-face with family and friends — and we are seeing the consequences in rising rates of anxiety, depression, obesity, and developmental challenges,” Kennedy said.
Kennedy described the advisory as a science-based resource intended to help families, schools, and communities encourage healthier habits and reduce harms associated with excessive screen exposure.
Dr. Stephanie Haridoplos, director of national health communications for the Office of the Surgeon General, warned that many online environments were not built with children’s safety in mind.
“We are calling for urgent action to protect children at home, in schools, and across platforms,” Haridoplos said. “Kids are growing up in digital spaces that were never designed for their safety, and these online experiences are shaping how they think, feel, and interact in real life.”
Advisory Lists Warning Signs for Families
The advisory identifies several warning signs that may indicate unhealthy or harmful screen use among children and teenagers.
According to the report, warning indicators can include irritability when devices are removed, secrecy surrounding online activity, reduced interest in offline hobbies or social interaction, and unsuccessful attempts to cut back on screen time.
Federal health officials also highlighted concerns involving online exploitation, exposure to harmful or age-inappropriate material, substance-use promotion, and dangerous viral challenges circulating on social media platforms.
A viral challenge refers to online trends encouraging users to imitate risky or harmful behavior for views, attention, or social engagement.
Schools, Tech Companies, and Lawmakers Urged to Act
The accompanying federal toolkit outlines recommended actions for schools, families, community groups, policymakers, and technology companies.
The advisory encourages schools to reduce or prohibit non-instructional device use during the school day, expand digital citizenship education, and create additional opportunities for face-to-face interaction.
Digital citizenship education teaches students how to use technology responsibly, safely, and ethically.
Federal officials also urged lawmakers to strengthen online privacy and child safety protections while supporting long-term research into screen-related health impacts.
Technology companies were encouraged to reduce manipulative design features, improve transparency about platform risks, and simplify safety settings for parents and families.
The Surgeon General’s Warning on the Harms of Screen Use: An Advisory and Toolkit on How to Protect Children and Adolescents is available through the Office of the Surgeon General website.
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