The Department of Health and Human Services issued a public health advisory Wednesday warning about the harmful effects of excessive screen time on children and adolescents, citing negative impacts on sleep patterns and mental health.

The "Surgeon General's Warning on the Harms of Screen Use" identifies harmful screen use among young people as a growing public health concern. The advisory states that children and adolescents are "growing up surrounded by screens" in ways that may affect their development and wellbeing.

The warning specifically highlights disrupted sleep patterns and mental health issues as key areas of concern related to excessive screen exposure among minors. The advisory represents the latest federal guidance addressing technology's role in children's health and development.

The timing of the advisory comes as federal health agencies continue to evaluate various public health priorities under current leadership. Screen time guidelines have become an increasingly discussed topic among pediatricians, educators, and parents as digital device usage among children has expanded significantly in recent years.

The Department of Health and Human Services has not yet detailed specific recommended limits or implementation strategies that would accompany the warning.