Surgeon General Urges El Paso Families to Reduce Children's Screen Time

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued a new advisory urging children to significantly reduce their screen time, which currently averages between seven to nine hours daily. This excessive usage has been linked to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and obesity among youth. The advisory highlights warning signs of harmful screen behavior and provides a toolkit for families, schools, and tech companies to promote healthier habits. Recommendations include modeling appropriate screen use, engaging in screen-free activities, and implementing parental controls. The advisory aims to foster a healthier environment for children in El Paso and beyond.

Key Details: • Children average 7-9 hours of screen time daily, leading to mental health issues. • Warning signs of harmful screen use include irritability and secrecy about online behavior. • Families should model healthy screen habits and engage in screen-free activities. • Schools are encouraged to limit digital device use to enhance in-person interaction. • Tech companies should improve safety settings for family use.