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While screen time can have some benefits, evidence is mounting of high risks to children’s mental and physical health, according to a new advisory from the U.S. Surgeon General.
That is why the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is proposing to refine two objectives to further limit screen time as part of Healthy People 2030.
The refinements are to increase the proportion of children ages 2-5 who get no more than 1 hour of screen time a day and increase the proportion of parents who follow American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations on limiting screen time for children ages 6-17.
They’re also proposing to add three new objectives.
You can comment on the changes by emailing HP2030Comment@hhs.gov.
Or you can endorse a comment from Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez, leader of Salud America!, to support the refinements for limited screen time and other important objectives.
Comments or endorsements are due 11:59 a.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2026
July 2026 UPDATE: 92 people endorsed Salud America! members submitted comments in support of Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez’s comment to support the refinements for limited screen time.
Endorse Dr. Ramirez’s Comment to Limit Children’s Screen Time
Dear HHS,
Early childhood development is a key to the future health of our nation.
Particularly in the first 5 years of life, children’s long-term social, cognitive, emotional, and physical development can be impacted by stress, socioeconomic status, and access to education programs and resources. (https://bit.ly/4wiBOeI).
Screen time is another important factor.
Excessive screen time is rising among children. For example, over 70% of Latino parents report that social media use is high among their children ages 10-18, who use screens “several hours a day” or “almost constantly.” (https://bit.ly/4ga5DcJ)
Prolonged screen time can lead to trouble sleeping, mood changes, and alterations to the brain, according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse. (https://bit.ly/3U2qFyx)
In addition, excessive screen time in children is linked to a higher risk for heart-related complications, including heart disease, according to the American Heart Association. (https://bit.ly/42oalvN)
I applaud HHS leaders for recommending further screen time limitations as part of Healthy People 2030.
This includes recommendations to increase the proportion of children ages 2-5 who get no more than 1 hour of screen time a day and increase the proportion of parents who follow the standard of limiting screen time for children ages 6-17.
Thank you for caring about our children.
What is Healthy People 2030?
The Healthy People initiative has established goals and measurable objectives to improve the health and well-being of people nationwide.
At the beginning of every decade, HHS launches a new iteration of the initiative that addresses the latest public health priorities and challenges.
Find all the proposed objectives for Healty People 2030.
HHS is currently seeking revisions to the two screen time objectives. They are also seeking to add three new objectives:
- Access to Health Services: Reduce the proportion of persons who are unable to obtain or who delay obtaining mental health care due to cost.
- Early and Middle Childhood: Increase the proportion of children who are developmentally ‘on track’ and healthy and ready to learn at school.
- Social Determinants of Health: Explore the impact of referrals to non-clinical activities (e.g., art, music, movement, nature, and community service) on improving health outcomes.
The proposed new objectives were developed by Healthy People 2030 workgroups, which are led by subject matter experts in various federal government agencies.
What Happens Next for Healthy People 2030?
Comments on the proposed Healthy People 2030 objectives are due July 16, 2026.
Following the deadline, public comments will be reviewed and deliberated upon by The Healthy People Federal Interagency Workgroup and other experts.
Public input is critical because it gives federal officials information about the potential impact of a proposed regulation, according to Unidos US. Participating in the rulemaking process allows you to shape federal programs and the rules that govern.
By The Numbers
142
Percent
Expected rise in Latino cancer cases in coming years
