International News: “Put down the phone!” New US Health advisory warns about kids’ screen time

By Zoila Palma:  The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued a new Surgeon General advisory urging children and teenagers to reduce harmful screen use and spend more time engaging in real-world activities.

Released Wednesday, the 40-page advisory does not recommend a specific daily screen-time limit, instead encouraging families to focus on how children use digital devices and what they may be missing in their offline lives.

Dr. Stephanie Haridopolos, an HHS official involved in developing the advisory, encouraged young people to “live real life,” urging them to put down their phones, go outside, make eye contact and socialize with their peers.

The guidance defines excessive screen time as use that may become harmful when children lose control over their device use or display signs of compulsive behavior.

It applies broadly to smartphones, tablets, apps, chatbots and other digital platforms.

The advisory points to previous research linking higher levels of screen use with concerns including anxiety, depression, lower academic performance and poorer physical and mental health.

However, HHS acknowledged that the document does not present new research or result from a formal systematic review. Instead, it summarizes existing research and recommendations from organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Rather than focusing solely on the number of hours children spend on screens, health experts say parents should consider the quality and purpose of their digital activities.

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