US Surgeon General Warns of Child Screen Time Risks

The U.S. Surgeon General, together with the Department of Health and Human Services, released the report “Live Real Life,” warning that excessive screen use is harming children’s mental health, sleep, and academic performance. The advisory recommends no screen time for children under 18 months, less than one hour per day for those under six, and a maximum of two hours daily for ages six to 18 outside school‑related activities. It notes that teenagers now average about 8.5 hours of screen time per day, surpassing typical sleep hours, and links this to sleep disruption, reduced physical activity, weaker in‑person relationships, poorer school performance, and rising anxiety and depression.

The report calls on schools to strengthen phone restrictions and urges technology companies to design products that prioritize user well‑being. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said, “Children today spend more time on screens than sleeping, exercising, or engaging face‑to‑face…we are seeing the consequences in rising rates of anxiety, depression, obesity, and developmental challenges.” Dr. Stephanie Haridoplos added that the advisory provides tools for families, schools, policymakers, and tech firms to protect children’s health.