Surgeon General's Warning on the Harms of Screen Use

Harmful screen use among children and adolescents has become a public health concern; growing up surrounded by screens of al types—televisions, computers, tablets, smartphones—is now the norm. Exposure often begins before a child’s first birthday and increases as children age. By adolescence, children may spend more time on screens than sleeping or attending school. Reducing the negative impacts of harmful screen use requires acting with urgency and empowering caregivers and communities by providing them with evidence-based tools and strategies organized around “the 5 Ds.”

• Discuss: Set expectations for a l household members for healthy screen use. Discuss with youth what they are viewing, who they are interacting with, and how it makes them feel. Use parental controls and household rules that align with your goals.
• Do: Model the healthy screen use behaviors you would like to see. Children and adolescents pay attention to the actions of their caregivers and trusted adults. Be conscientious about how much time you spend on screens and what type of content you consume. When using screens, do so together.
• Delay: Delay screen time from the earliest age as long as possible and then establish and normalize age-appropriate limits on time and content accessible. Parents and caregivers can also delay access to different devices by age.
• Divert: Provide alternatives so screen use is not the default when children are bored. Redirect attention and provide opportunities for healthy activities, such as physical activity. Prioritize completion of desirable activities first, such as chores, homework, music, or sports before screen use.
• Disconnect: Create regularly scheduled, screen-free times in everyone’s day, such as mealtimes where everyone disconnects. Practice screen-free time before bedtime for better quality sleep and avoid sleeping next to devices. Avoid multitasking with screens during activities. Detox completely from certain devices, media, or platforms when they have become a problem or when another goal is more important.