It’s the Most Urgent Public Health Issue”: Dr. Rangan Chatterjee on Screen Time, Mental Health – and Banning Social Media Until 18

In an era dominated by digital connectivity, concerns over the impact of excessive screen time on mental health have intensified. Dr. Rangan Chatterjee, a leading voice in preventive medicine, recently addressed these issues in an in-depth interview, calling the overuse of social media and digital devices “the most urgent public health issue of our time.”
Dr. Chatterjee, known for his work on lifestyle medicine and authoring bestsellers like The 4 Pillar Plan, highlighted the profound psychological and physiological consequences of prolonged screen exposure, particularly among children and adolescents. He explained that while technology has brought unprecedented access to information and social connectivity, it has also fueled anxiety, depression, sleep disruption, and impaired social development in younger generations.
“Every day, we see children and teenagers struggling with stress, low self-esteem, and a sense of inadequacy directly linked to their social media use,” said Dr. Chatterjee. “The constant comparison to idealized online images and the addictive nature of scrolling can have long-term consequences for their mental health.”
The case for limiting social media
Dr. Chatterjee argues that current societal norms around screen time are unsustainable. Children as young as eight are spending hours on platforms designed to maximize engagement, often at the expense of sleep, physical activity, and face-to-face interactions. Research supports this, showing correlations between extended social media use and higher rates of anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation among adolescents.
He believes that limiting social media access until age 18 could provide children with the developmental space to cultivate real-world social skills, resilience, and a healthier relationship with technology. “We wouldn’t give a toddler a bottle of whiskey, yet we hand over devices loaded with addictive algorithms,” he said. “This is a societal experiment with real consequences, and we need to be honest about it.”
Balancing technology with wellbeing
While advocating for limits, Dr. Chatterjee acknowledges that digital technology is not inherently harmful. The challenge lies in moderation and mindful use. Parents and educators play a critical role in guiding children, setting boundaries, and modeling responsible behavior. Simple strategies include establishing device-free zones, prioritizing sleep, encouraging outdoor play, and engaging in shared activities that do not involve screens.
He also emphasized the importance of teaching children about the psychological mechanisms behind social media, including the dopamine-driven rewards that make platforms addictive. “Education about digital wellbeing should be integrated into school curricula,” Dr. Chatterjee suggested. “Just as we teach kids about healthy eating or exercise, we should teach them about healthy technology use.”
The wider implications
The impact of excessive screen time extends beyond mental health. Dr. Chatterjee points to rising sedentary behavior, disrupted circadian rhythms, and decreased attention spans as additional consequences. He warns that without intervention, these trends could contribute to chronic health issues, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular problems, later in life.
Healthcare systems are beginning to recognize the urgency. Clinics specializing in adolescent mental health report increasing numbers of patients presenting with digital addiction, sleep disorders, and anxiety-related conditions tied to online behavior. Policymakers and tech companies are also under pressure to create safer digital environments, though progress remains uneven.
Dr. Chatterjee suggests that the conversation must shift from blaming individuals to addressing systemic issues. Social media platforms are engineered to maximize engagement, often at the expense of users’ mental wellbeing. Regulatory frameworks, combined with parental guidance and educational initiatives, are essential to protect younger populations.
Moving forward
Dr. Chatterjee’s call for a social media age limit is part of a broader effort to prioritize public health in a digital era. He advocates for proactive, preventive measures that recognize the developmental needs of children and adolescents. This includes robust mental health education, community programs promoting physical activity and social engagement, and stricter oversight of platforms targeting young users.
“Screen time is not just a personal issue; it’s a societal one,” he concluded. “If we continue to ignore the mental health implications of excessive digital exposure, we are failing an entire generation. Restricting access until maturity, combined with education and guidance, could be the single most impactful step we take for the future wellbeing of our children.”
As debates around social media regulation continue globally, Dr. Chatterjee’s perspective underscores the urgency of rethinking how society interacts with technology. His recommendations call for a balance that embraces innovation while safeguarding the mental and physical health of the next generation.
The conversation around screen time is no longer just about convenience or entertainment; it is a critical public health issue demanding attention from parents, educators, policymakers, and tech companies alike. With rising rates of anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders, the stakes have never been higher—and Dr. Chatterjee’s message is clear: action is overdue.