UK Top Doctors Call Social Media Harmful to Youth, Urge Screen-Time Checks in Routine Care

The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges has recommended that doctors routinely assess screen time and social media use when consulting with younger patients.

Clinical Guidelines

The professional body, which represents the United Kingdom’s medical royal colleges, issued the guidance on May 25, 2026. It calls for the integration of digital wellbeing checks into standard pediatric and adolescent consultations. Physicians should inquire about daily screen exposure, social media habits, and any associated behavioral changes during routine appointments.

Health Concerns

The recommendation stems from growing evidence linking excessive screen time and social media engagement to mental health problems in young people. The academy cited risks including disrupted sleep patterns, reduced physical activity, and increased rates of anxiety and depression. It emphasized that early identification of problematic usage could help mitigate long-term harm to adolescent development.

Implementation

Under the proposed framework, general practitioners, pediatricians, and school health services would incorporate standardized questions about digital device use into their existing patient assessments. The academy did not specify a mandatory screening tool but urged clinicians to adopt a consistent approach. It also called for better training for healthcare professionals on recognizing signs of internet addiction and social media dependency in youth.

Context

The move aligns with similar initiatives in other countries. In 2023, the American Psychological Association issued its first-ever health advisory on social media use in adolescents, recommending that parents monitor usage and limit access to age-appropriate content. In 2024, the French government introduced a ban on smartphones in schools for students under 15, citing risks to attention spans and social development.