Trending Now - Surgeon General Warns of Screen Time Dangers for Youth
WHO:
Fast Company - Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is currently issuing the advisory in the absence of a confirmed surgeon general.
Fast Company - Stephanie Haridopolos, a family physician, is temporarily filling duties typically performed by the surgeon general.
NBC News Health - The advisory was developed by officials at the US Department of Health and Human Services.
CNN - The advisory was authored by a leadership team of HHS officials due to the absence of a confirmed surgeon general in the Trump administration.
CNN - US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wrote in the advisory.
WHAT:
Fast Company - The advisory calls for a society-wide behavioral shift around technology, emphasizing the need for parents, schools, and healthcare providers to collaborate in reducing harmful screen use.
Fast Company - The advisory defines harmful screen use as "patterns of use that are excessive, difficult to control, or involve exposure to content or interactions that may harm a child’s well-being."
NBC News Health - The surgeon general issued a warning about the dangers of excessive screen time for children and teens.
CNN - Adolescents are averaging four or more hours of screen time daily.
CNN - The advisory suggests no screen time for children under 18 months and a maximum of two hours daily for ages 6 to 18.
CNN - The advisory includes a toolkit for identifying harmful behaviors around screens and limiting screen time.
CNN - The advisory includes “calls to action” for various stakeholders, including families and schools.
WHERE:
CNN - The advisory addresses public health concerns in the United States.
WHEN:
CNN - The advisory was released on a Wednesday.
WHY:
CNN - The advisory warns that excessive screen time can lead to worse sleep, decreased functioning in school, less physical activity, and weakened in-person relationships.
CNN - The advisory aims to address the public health concern regarding children and teens' screen use.
HOW:
Fast Company - The advisory suggests that educators implement "bell to bell" bans on phones to reduce distractions and improve classroom performance.
CNN - The advisory recommends that youth track their screen time, take breaks, and create boundaries.
CNN - Parents are encouraged to create a family media plan covering screen use.
CNN - Schools are advised to implement cell phone policy restrictions and prioritize non-screen assignments.
CNN - Healthcare providers are recommended to include questions about screen use in annual well-child visits.
(UPDATED May 21, 2026 21:32 UTC)
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is issuing a new advisory aimed at promoting a society-wide behavioral shift around technology, as there is currently no confirmed surgeon general in place. The advisory highlights the importance of collaboration among parents, schools, and healthcare providers to combat harmful screen use, which is defined as excessive patterns that can negatively impact a child's well-being. To support this initiative, the advisory recommends that educators enforce "bell to bell" bans on phones in classrooms to minimize distractions and enhance student performance.
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(UPDATED May 21, 2026 16:14 UTC)
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has issued a new advisory warning about the dangers of excessive screen time for children and teens, highlighting that adolescents are averaging four or more hours of screen use daily. The advisory recommends no screen time for children under 18 months and limits for those aged 6 to 18, while also providing a toolkit for identifying harmful behaviors and calls to action for families and schools. To combat these public health concerns, the advisory encourages tracking screen time, creating family media plans, and implementing cell phone policy restrictions in schools.