A large international study published in The Lancet, analyzing more than nine million participants, has identified screen addiction among children and young adults as a significant public health concern. Researchers reviewed 2,790 studies across the globe and found that excessive screen time significantly affects the development and health of young people. The findings highlight the need for greater awareness and intervention to address the growing issue of digital overuse. The study identifies two key age groups most at risk. Children under 10 who spend long periods in front of screens often experience sleep problems and disruptions in their cognitive, emotional, and social development. For young people aged 10 to 24, the risks include mental health challenges, reduced physical activity, substance use, self-harm, and thoughts of suicide. These findings underscore the wide-ranging impact of digital media on youth well-being. Infants are especially vulnerable to the effects of excessive screen exposure. During the early years, the brain is highly adaptable, and too much screen time can interfere with development in areas such as attention, language, and social skills. The term "brain rot," named the word of the year 2024 by the University of Oxford, reflects these concerns. It describes the idea that excessive consumption of trivial online content can negatively affect a person's mental or intellectual state. The term's usage increased by 230% between 2023 and 2024, showing a rising awareness of the issue. Turkish researchers, including Mustafa Gül from Kahramanmaras Sütçü İmam University, have identified several cognitive health risks associated with screen overuse, particularly for adolescents and young adults. These risks include long-term changes in brain structure, leading to an increase in cognitive, behavioral, and emotional disorders. As self-esteem decreases, mental health problems and addictions rise. Concentration and memory also decline, raising the risk of early cognitive decline. Researchers are urging governments to take action similar to the measures taken against smoking. Jay Shaw, co-author of the study and assistant professor at the University of Toronto, warns that the damage caused by digital media is becoming increasingly clear, especially for young people. He compares the current situation to the tobacco industry's past: "If we do not act, digital technologies could become more harmful than beneficial for public health. It might be our 'Big Tobacco' moment with technology." In August, Meta agreed to limit access to Facebook and Instagram for younger users as part of a $18 billion settlement, the largest of its kind outside the tobacco industry. A major challenge in understanding the impact of screen addiction is the lack of access to user data held by large technology companies. Shaw and his colleagues note that without this data, it is difficult to fully understand how these platforms affect young people's well-being. Companies like Meta, TikTok, and Google are not required to share this information or explain how their algorithms encourage prolonged use. Chrysanthou emphasizes that responsibility for addressing this issue must be shared: "Companies and platforms must make their platforms safe." Parents cannot tackle this problem alone. Some companies have already introduced tools to help reduce screen time for children. For example, TikTok limits use to one hour per day for users aged 13 to 17, although this setting can be changed. Snap Inc., the parent company of Snapchat, has expressed openness to implementing time restrictions for teenagers. Mustafa Gül suggests that schools should limit phone use during certain hours to reduce distractions and monitor students' screen time to raise awareness. This approach mirrors efforts by consumers to regain control over their digital subscriptions. With nearly two billion young people under 15 worldwide, screen addiction is emerging as a major public health challenge of the 21st century. Researchers hope their findings will help governments create effective public health policies to address the potential harms of excessive digital media use.