Israel's Health Ministry Issues Strict Screen Time Guidelines for Children

Israel's Ministry of Health has released new recommendations for parents aimed at curbing excessive screen time and social media use among children and adolescents. The guidelines strongly advise against any screen exposure for children under two years old. For older children, the recommendations suggest waiting until age 13 to get a smartphone and not allowing access to social media platforms until age 15. These guidelines are being introduced in response to data indicating that Israel has a high rate of problematic social media use among adolescents, according to the international HBSC study.

The Ministry is also launching a digital campaign to promote these recommendations. The Director-General of the Ministry of Health, Moshe Bar Siman Tov, stated that the goal is to provide practical advice, acknowledging that complete avoidance of screens is neither realistic nor desirable, as they are an integral part of modern life. The aim is to find a healthy balance.

A 2025 HBSC study, conducted by the Ministries of Health and Education with Bar-Ilan University, found that 28.7% of Israeli students in grades 7-12 spend six or more hours daily on screens outside of school hours, with girls reporting higher usage. The study also revealed that 16.3% of Israeli students exhibit social media use patterns resembling addiction, a significant increase since the COVID-19 pandemic. Excessive screen time is linked to potential negative impacts on language development, attention, social interaction, sleep quality, academic performance, mental health, and social functioning.

The Ministry's recommendations are based on scientific literature reviews and guidelines from international health organizations and the Israel Pediatric Association. They include specific age-based limits: no screens before age two, one hour daily for ages two to five with quality content and parental guidance, and under two hours for ages six to nine, encouraging offline activities. First mobile phones should be non-smart devices for ages 9-11, with smartphones recommended only at age 13, and social media access delayed until 15, contingent on child readiness and parental supervision.

Future steps include the establishment of a committee to develop policies and regulations for responsible screen use among minors, addressing issues like digital protection and promoting healthy habits. Bar Siman Tov emphasized the need for parental responsibility and authority in managing children's screen time and online activities, noting that regulatory measures will likely follow the initial recommendations.