The New Surgeon General Advisory On The Harms Of Screen Use— Here’s What The Science Says About Risks And Benefits

According to a recent advisory from the Department of Health and Human Services, excessive screen time among children—which encompasses activities like social media scrolling, texting, and gaming—can be detrimental to their health. The advisory highlights that children often start using screens before their first birthday, underscoring the importance of early intervention.

With no official Surgeon General appointed in the Trump administration, this advisory was issued collaboratively by the Department of Health and Human Services.

The debate over the health implications of screen and social media usage is ongoing, with the scientific understanding becoming more complex. The health effects of screen use vary based on factors such as the child’s age, the nature of the content, and whether screen time replaces essential activities like sleep, education, and social engagement.

Research strongly indicates mental health issues as a major concern. A study involving over 10,000 teenagers, published in The Lancet, found that increased social media use is linked to online harassment, sleep disturbances, low self-esteem, dissatisfaction with body weight, and heightened depressive symptoms. Sleep disruption is particularly concerning, with research in JAMA Pediatrics indicating that children using screens before bedtime often experience reduced sleep duration and quality. According to the advisory, poor sleep is tied to lower academic performance, mood swings, and decreased concentration.

Excessive screen use can also lead to displacement of valuable activities, such as social interaction, physical exercise, reading, and spending time outdoors. Research suggests that increased screen time diminishes the frequency and quality of interactions between children and their caregivers, potentially hindering social and emotional development.

There is growing evidence that screens, particularly social media, significantly impact the development of teenagers’ brains. Regular social media use can alter the amygdala, the brain region responsible for emotion regulation, highlighting the brain’s vulnerability to external factors like social media.

Despite the risks, screens also offer tangible benefits. Educational media can enhance learning, literacy, and problem-solving skills. Research consistently demonstrates that interactive educational programs on screens can boost vocabulary acquisition and student engagement, while games can enhance problem-solving abilities for children.

Screens also facilitate social connections. Online communities can support adolescents feeling socially isolated, including those with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or mental health challenges. Research shows that moderate screen use can improve social connections and provide a platform for socially-anxious individuals to practice communication skills comfortably.

Screens and social media are integral to the lives of most American children and teenagers. However, screen use varies significantly, and not all screen time is equal. Educational content on screens is vastly different from unending social media scrolling. Technology is central to modern education, communication, and childhood. The public health challenge is to balance maximizing educational benefits and minimizing the risks associated with overuse and mental health issues.

The latest advisory recommends delaying screen use from an early age, setting screen use expectations between caregivers and children, establishing regular screen-free periods during the day, and offering alternatives to prevent screen time from being the default activity when children are bored.