Kids Are Spending Nearly 7 To 9 Hours A Day On Screens, More Than Average Sleep Times

InnovationHealthcareKids Are Spending Nearly 7 To 9 Hours A Day On Screens, More Than Average Sleep TimesByDr. Sai Balasubramanian, M.D., J.D.,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Sai writes about healthcare, innovation and technology.Follow AuthorMay 29, 2026, 09:00pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.Excessive screen time can lead to significant developmental and learning delays.gettyA new report by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Office of the Surgeon General has found that children and adolescents are spending more time than ever before on screens. Specifically, kids are spending nearly seven to nine hours a day on entertainment screens, which is often the same amount or more time than spent on sleeping, in-school or in other activities, such as exercise or engaging with peers. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. explained that “Children today spend more time on screens than sleeping, exercising, or engaging face-to-face with family and friends — and we are seeing the consequences in rising rates of anxiety, depression, obesity, and developmental challenges.” As a part of a broader effort to help curtail these ill effects, HHS has released a comprehensive advisory report on the harms of screen use and how parents can help promote healthy habits.Key takeaways from the advisory report include: that early and frequent exposure to screens may cause developmental issues and poorer language outcomes; excessive screen time may lead to poorer education outcomes and progress; mental health and behavioral declines are associated with screen time; and that screen time may severely disrupt routine sleep and rest patterns, especially if used right before bedtime. It also counsels parents to foster healthy habits with their children, including setting expectations of boundaries for healthy screen time and use; modeling...