Clinical Scorecard: U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory Highlights Concerns Over Children's Screen Time

At a Glance

Key Highlights

• Advisory urges reduction of screen time for children
• Recommendations include specific screen time limits based on age
• Calls for collaboration among parents, schools, and policymakers
• Encourages tech companies to prioritize user well-being
• Suggests schools implement phone restrictions

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

• Assess screen use during annual health visits

Management

• Delay screen time for children under 18 months
• Limit screen time to less than 1 hour for children under 6
• Limit screen time to 2 hours for children aged 6-18

Monitoring & Follow-up

• Parents should consider a family media plan
• Model healthy screen use behavior

Risks

• Potential negative impacts on mental health and development

Patient & Prescribing Data

Children and adolescents

Encourage in-person activities and limit digital engagement

Clinical Best Practices

• Implement bell-to-bell phone restrictions in schools
• Provide parents with tools for digital control
• Fund research on screen use impacts

Related Resources & Content

• Surgeon General's Advisory on Screen Time