The surgeon general’s office on May 20 warned Americans that many children are spending excessive time on screens, and that screen time has been associated with problems such as difficulty paying attention.
“Early exposure to screens carries developmental and cognitive risks. Screen use in early life is linked to poorer language outcomes,” the advisory states, pointing to research that found children who used screens more had poorer language skills.
Excessive screen time, the advisory said, has been linked to inferior educational and health outcomes in school-aged children, citing a 2026 meta-analysis that found using devices was associated with depression and using social media was linked to depression, substance use, and lower achievement in school….