RFK Jr. Slams Screen Time in Schools as Trump Champions AI in Education
The U.S. Surgeon General’s Office is sounding the alarm: schools need to cut back on screen time, and fast. The message is clear—too much tech in the classroom could be a ticking time bomb for kids' health.
“While screen use can have some benefits, the evidence of a range of risks to children’s overall mental and physical health is mounting,” declared Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in a bold statement unveiling a new advisory that dropped Wednesday.
He didn’t hold back, warning that excessive tech use can lead to “addiction-like behavior.”
The report demands schools enforce a strict “bell-to-bell” ban on cellphones, push for more extracurriculars and physical activities, and confine screen time to designated computer labs only.
“Invest in physical textbooks and prioritize pen-and-paper curricula, hands-on activities, and social interactions for all grade levels,” the advisory insists. “Limit screen use by assigning work in books or on paper whenever possible.”
Despite acknowledging “knowledge gaps” in research comparing digital and analog learning methods, the report argues that decisive action is necessary. “We cannot wait for every question to be settled before acting,” it states emphatically.
In 2024, the Biden administration’s surgeon general, Dr. Vivek Murthy, urged Congress to slap health warning labels on social media platforms. Currently, the office is without a confirmed permanent leader, with Dr. Nicole Saphier nominated—a radiologist and former Fox News Channel contributor.
Thirty-seven states and the District of Columbia have already imposed restrictions on cellphone use, while Iowa, Tennessee, and Utah are pushing laws to limit overall screen time in schools, according to EdWeek.
Tech giants are under fire this year too, facing legal challenges over the alleged health impacts of their platforms. A California court found Instagram and YouTube liable for being addictive, while a New Mexico jury ruled that Meta products harm children’s mental health.
Outside the classroom, the surgeon general’s report encourages kids to “live real life” as much as possible. Parents are urged to set clear tech boundaries at home and delay screen exposure for as long as they can.
This stance sharply contrasts with the Trump administration’s enthusiastic embrace of artificial intelligence in education.
Last year, the first lady launched a presidential AI challenge while Trump issued an executive order aimed at preempting state-level AI regulations—some of which focus on shielding children from potential dangers.
Trump has consistently backed the tech industry, with many leading figures and companies pouring money into his campaign, inauguration, and White House projects.
