Officials at the United States Department of Health and Human Services have issued a new public health advisory warning that excessive screen use among children and teenagers may contribute to sleep problems, reduced academic performance, lower physical activity, and weaker in-person social relationships.
The advisory, released on Wednesday, describes screen overuse as a growing public health concern and recommends stronger parental controls, school phone restrictions, and increased oversight from technology companies.
“While screen use can have some benefits, the evidence of a range of risks to children’s overall mental and physical health is mounting” – U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wrote in the report
The advisory states that exposure to screens often begins before a child’s first birthday and increases during adolescence. According to the report, many teenagers now spend four or more hours daily on screens, with nearly half reporting they lose track of time spent on their phones.
Health experts linked excessive screen use to issues including poor sleep, reduced school performance, and lower physical activity. The report also raises concerns about social media, gaming, online gambling, and other forms of digital interaction.
The advisory recommends no screen exposure for children under 18 months old, less than one hour daily for children under six, and roughly two hours daily for older children and teenagers outside school-related activities.
It also introduced a “five Ds” strategy encouraging families to discuss healthy screen habits, model responsible behavior, delay screen exposure, divert children toward offline activities, and regularly disconnect from devices.
Stakeholders argue that smartphones, social media platforms, gaming apps, and digital algorithms are designed to maximize user engagement, particularly among young people.
Health experts including J. John Mann said certain forms of addictive screen use may increase risks of mental health problems and suicidal behavior among adolescents.
“If we look at it in that framework, what we should be doing is screening out those kids who show that” – Mann
The advisory is expected to intensify ongoing debates over children’s digital safety, online regulation, and technology use in schools and homes.
