HHS official details advisory on harms of screen use

Stephanie Haridopolos, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health, has detailed the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) initiative regarding a U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the harms of screen use. The advisory is part of the broader ‘Make America Healthy Again’ (MAHA) movement led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Haridopolos, who is currently performing some duties of the U.S. Surgeon General while the office remains vacant pending Senate action on nominee Dr. Nicole Saphier, described the advisory as a culmination of extensive evidence. The HHS focus includes the physical and mental impacts of screen use on children, specifically citing risks such as obesity, behavioral issues, and nearsightedness.

Regarding vision, Haridopolos noted that current trends suggest nearly 40% of the world’s children and adolescents could be nearsighted by 2050. She attributed this to increased screen time and a lack of outdoor sunlight exposure.