HHS Issues Landmark Advisory on Children's Screen Time
"Excessive screen time among children and adolescents poses public health risks."
– U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a surgeon general's advisory on Wednesday warning that the high volume of screen time among young people has become a significant public health concern. Notably, the advisory was issued without a confirmed surgeon general; HHS officials authored it under the authority of Assistant Secretary for Health Adm. Dr. Brian Christine.
By the Numbers
- Adolescents now average four or more hours of daily screen time.
- Nearly half of all teens report losing track of time spent on their phones.
New Screen Time Recommendations
Age Group Recommended Limit Under 18 months No screens Ages 2–5 Less than 1 hour per day Ages 6–18 Up to 2 hours per day (excluding school-related use)The Root of the Warning
The advisory builds on the "Be Best" initiative launched by former first lady Melania Trump. It highlights a growing body of research linking excessive screen time to:
- Worse sleep quality
- Reduced school performance
- Less physical activity
- Weakened in-person relationships
The American Academy of Pediatrics similarly advises screen time limits but emphasizes that quality and context matter just as much as duration.
What Experts Recommend
For Youth
- Track screen time usage
- Take regular breaks
- Complete other activities (homework, chores, exercise) before using screens
For Parents
- Create a family media plan
- Model healthy behavior by limiting your own screen use
For Schools
- Implement cell phone policies
- Prioritize non-digital assignments
For Healthcare Providers
- Include screen use questions during routine checkups
For Tech Companies
- Display warnings on devices
- Enforce age minimums for app usage
A Note of Caution
"Some experts caution against blanket restrictions, noting that screen use can be beneficial for education and social connection."
Research also shows that addictive screen use—not just total time spent—is linked to higher risks of suicidal behaviors in adolescents. Critics further argue that many children already exceed recommended limits due to required screen use in schools.
Current Status
- President Trump's nominee for surgeon general, Dr. Nicole Saphier, awaits a Senate confirmation hearing.
- Until confirmation, HHS Chief of Staff Dr. Stephanie Haridopolos is carrying out many of the surgeon general's duties.