Israel's Health Ministry Warns of Screen Addiction Among Youth

Israel's Ministry of Health has issued new recommendations aimed at significantly reducing screen time for children and teenagers, citing concerns about mental well-being, sleep, behavior, and academic performance. The ministry highlighted that prolonged exposure to social media can exacerbate social comparison, body image issues, eating disorder symptoms, feelings of inadequacy, and fear of missing out.

According to data from the 2025 HBSC study, which surveyed youth health and well-being across 60 countries, Israel ranks high in screen and social media addiction. The study found that 16.3% of Israeli students are considered "addicted" to electronic social media, with a sharp increase observed since the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, 28.7% of students in grades 7-12 spent six or more hours daily on screens outside of school hours in 2025.

The ministry's guidelines propose specific screen time limits based on age: complete avoidance for children under two, one hour daily for ages 2-5, two hours for ages 6-9, three hours for ages 10-12, and no more than four hours for ages 13-18. It is also recommended to avoid screens before bedtime for children up to age 12.

Regarding device ownership, the ministry advises against giving children their first mobile phone as a smartphone, ideally waiting until age 13 for a smart device without social media access. Access to social media should commence no earlier than age 15, with parental guidance and based on the teenager's readiness. To further address the issue, a committee will be established to promote responsible screen and social media use, and a digital campaign featuring social media influencers will be launched to encourage behavioral change.