U.S. Surgeon General Unveils 5 Ds Screen Plan as Early Use Delays Children's Brain Development
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 26
U.S. Surgeon General Unveils 5 Ds Screen Plan as Early Use Delays Children's Brain Development
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 26
Summary
The U.S. Surgeon General's Office released a "5 Ds" framework urging families to set screen rules, model healthy habits, redirect children offline, disconnect at key times and delay device access.
Haridopolos said early and excessive screen time can cause severe neurocognitive delays in young children, hurting attention spans, memory and language skills as screens compete for family attention.
The guidance calls for screen-free routines during meals, car rides and the hour before bedtime, when blue-light exposure can disrupt sleep and scrolling while eating can raise calorie intake.
Parents are also urged to keep phones charging overnight in shared spaces rather than children's bedrooms, using summer and holiday breaks to reset digital boundaries.