Screen time limits can protect children's health, U.S. surgeon general advisory says

Children in the U.S. often begin using screens before their first birthday and spend more time on screens outside school than in school by the teen years. Widespread screen use from waking until sleep is linked to declining physical health, mental health, academic performance, and social development. Increased screen time is associated with lower physical activity and higher rates of mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. The advisory is not policy and functions as guidance for lawmakers and stakeholders. It includes a toolkit with guidelines for restricting screen time and other interventions. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting screens for young children, including no screen time except video calls for the first 18 months, while some experts caution that blanket limits may not address all concerns.

"The American Academy of Pediatrics currently recommends setting limits around screens, especially for young children, such as no screen time except video calls for the first 18 months. But some experts warn that blanket restrictions on screen time may not necessarily address any of the issues raised in the surgeon general advisory."

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