A comprehensive public health approach is needed to study the impact of digital technology on health

Barely a day goes by without media and political concern about the impact of digital technology on health, particularly among young people.The publication of a recent government report, "Understanding the impact of smartphones and social media on children and young people," was widely seen as offering a long awaited way forward. 1 Yet, from a public health perspective, this was, at best, a missed opportunity and, at worst, a signpost to a path that could make things far worse.