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

InnovationHealthcareThe New Surgeon General Advisory On The Harms Of Screen Use— Here’s What The Science Says About Risks And BenefitsByOmer Awan,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Dr. Omer Awan is a practicing physician who covers public health.Follow AuthorMay 21, 2026, 07:24am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.BATH, UNITED KINGDOM - MARCH 29: In this photo illustration a 14-year-old boy holds an iPhone screen displaying various social media and messaging apps on March 29, 2026 in Bath, England. (Photo by Anna Barclay/Getty Images)Getty ImagesExcessive screen time for kids, which includes social media scrolling, texting on phones and gaming, can be harmful according to a new surgeon general advisory published by the department of Health and Human Services. The advisory warns that screen use often begins before a child’s first birthday, indicating the need for interventions early in life.As there is no currently confirmed Surgeon General within the Trump administration, the new advisory was brought forth as a collaborative effort by the department of Health and Human Services.Although screen and social media and their health effects have been widely debated, the science surrounding screen use is increasingly nuanced. Health outcomes from screen use depend on a number of factors; including child age, the content being viewed and whether digital use displaces other activities such as sleep, learning and social interactions.One of the strongest concerns supported by research involves mental health. A large study that looked at over 10,000 teenagers published in The Lancet found greater social media use associated with online harassment, poor sleep, low self-esteem, body weight dissatisfaction and increased depressive symptoms. Sleep disruption remains one of the clearest biological concerns. Research published in JAMA Pediatrics...