The Trump administration is sounding the alarm over what officials describe as a growing crisis tied to excessive screen use among children and teenagers.

A newly released public health advisory from the US Department of Health and Human Services warns that endless scrolling, excessive gaming, constant texting, and dependence on digital devices may be taking a serious toll on young Americans.

The report arrives at a time when many parents already feel overwhelmed by how much time their children spend staring at phones, tablets, and computers.

According to the advisory, screen exposure now often begins before a child’s first birthday. By the teenage years, many children are spending more time on screens than sleeping or attending school.

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Officials say the average teenager now spends four or more hours each day using screens, while nearly half admit they regularly lose track of time while using their phones.

“While screen use can have some benefits, the evidence of a range of risks to children’s overall mental and physical health is mounting,” US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wrote in the opening pages of the new advisory.

Kennedy also stressed that the concern extends far beyond social media alone.

“Social media is only one aspect of this ongoing screen time problem. Behavior patterns involving gaming, online gambling, and other forms of virtual interaction are emerging. While this report uses ‘screen time’ as a widely understood shorthand, we want people to understand that we are referring to the entire digital ecosystem of apps, smartphones, tablets, chatbots, and other screen-associated devices and interfaces,” Kennedy said.

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“This Advisory is not only a warning, but also an invitation for all of us to enjoy a broader world, beyond the confines of screens.”

The advisory outlines several concerns tied to excessive screen use. Officials say too much time online may contribute to poor sleep, declining school performance, reduced physical activity, and weaker in person social relationships.

Therefore, the administration is encouraging families, schools, healthcare providers, and technology companies to take stronger action before the problem becomes even more widespread.

Among the recommendations are strict screen time limits for younger children.

The advisory suggests no screen time for children younger than 18 months old, less than one hour per day for children under six, and no more than two hours daily for children between six and eighteen years old outside of school related activities.

Parents are also encouraged to create household media plans that establish rules about what devices children can use, when they can use them, and how long they may stay online.

Schools are being urged to limit cellphone use during class hours and assign more work using books and paper instead of digital devices whenever possible.

At the same time, policymakers are being encouraged to pursue stronger protections for children online, including improved parental controls and safety measures from technology companies.

The report also builds on Melania Trump’s “Be Best” initiative, which focused heavily on children’s wellbeing, social media behavior, and cyberbullying.

Officials organized many of the recommendations around five “Ds,” which include discussing healthy screen habits, modeling responsible behavior, delaying screen exposure for younger children, diverting attention toward healthier activities, and disconnecting from devices regularly.

Not everyone agrees that all screen use is harmful, however. Some medical experts argue that context matters because educational programs and online communities can sometimes provide benefits for children.

Dr. Courtney Blackwell of Northwestern University said, “That’s not to say on an individual level, some children in some contexts with some pre-existing conditions may experience some kind of challenges when it comes to screen use and mental health or physical health. But at the population level, the research is not definitive, I would say, to suggest screen time causes harm in and of itself.”

Blackwell also warned parents not to panic. “There can be positive uses of screen media, like ‘Sesame Street,’ and some kids find social support online, and they use it to connect with peers with similar identities at a time when identity development is critical in adolescence,” she said. “So it’s not just how long kids are spending on screens but really how they’re using it and the context of that use.”

Still, several experts believe the broader warning is justified because many digital platforms are intentionally designed to hold users’ attention for as long as possible. Kara Alaimo, a communications professor and author who studies social media’s effects on children and teenagers, argued that many devices and apps encourage addictive behavior.

She said, “The best recommendation would be for kids to avoid screens altogether. If you’ve ever tried to take a device away from a child, you’ve probably noticed it’s highly unpleasant. That’s because these devices are designed to get us all addicted. It’s far healthier for children to be playing, socializing, moving their bodies and getting outdoors.”

The advisory comes during an unusual period for the federal government because the United States currently does not have a confirmed surgeon general. President Donald Trump’s nominee, Dr. Nicole Saphier, is still awaiting a Senate confirmation hearing.

Until then, senior health officials are overseeing public health advisories and recommendations.

Even with debate continuing over the exact impact of screens on children, the administration’s message is clear.

Parents should pay closer attention to how digital technology shapes their children’s lives because the long term consequences may be far more serious than many Americans once believed.