Israel's Health Ministry Unveils New Guidelines on Screen Time for Children

Israel's Ministry of Health is introducing a new policy to combat social media addiction among youth, establishing a dedicated committee to explore regulations for protecting children and teenagers. The recommendations include a strict 'no screens' rule for children under two, delaying smartphone access until age 13, and prohibiting social media use until 15. The ministry is also launching a digital campaign featuring influencers and practical tools for parents, aiming to empower families to regain control over device usage and focus on broader issues like sleep, mental health, and family connection.

This initiative stems from concerning data revealing high screen usage in Israel. A joint study by the Health and Education ministries found that 16.3% of Israeli students are considered 'addicted' to social media, and 28.7% spend at least six hours daily on screens outside of school. These figures place Israel among the leading countries in this metric. The study also highlighted that 32.7% of girls in grades 7-12 reported spending six or more hours daily on screens, compared to 24.6% of boys, with particularly high rates among younger girls.

The committee will develop a long-term strategy, addressing screen time regulations, educational policies for responsible use, and fostering healthy habits among families. The ministry emphasizes that excessive screen time is a significant health concern, impacting physical and mental well-being, sleep, social functioning, and child development. The assessment of addiction goes beyond mere hours spent, looking at behavioral symptoms like preoccupation, difficulty reducing use, and negative impacts on other activities and relationships.

Detailed age-specific recommendations are provided: complete avoidance of screens for children up to two years old; up to one hour daily for ages two to five; less than two hours for ages six to nine; and up to three hours for ages 10 to 12. Smartphones are advised against before age 13, and even then, without social media access, with necessary apps downloaded jointly with parents. For younger children (9-11), non-smart mobile phones are suggested for communication if needed. Social media access is strongly discouraged before age 15, with parental guidance and digital controls recommended thereafter. For teenagers aged 13-18, the focus shifts from strict time limits to content quality and balancing digital life with offline activities. Prolonged use exceeding four hours daily is linked to various health symptoms.

A key recommendation across all age groups is to keep screens out of bedrooms, as evening and nighttime use can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to fatigue, concentration difficulties, and emotional regulation issues. Increased social media use is also associated with anxiety, depression, loneliness, body image issues, and increased social comparison, alongside the 'fear of missing out' (FOMO) in adolescents. For younger children, early screen exposure may hinder the development of language, attention, and social skills.

Parents are urged to lead by example, reducing their own screen time during family activities and meals. They should establish screen-free times, encourage physical activity and face-to-face interactions, and actively engage with the content their children consume. The ministry acknowledges the benefits of technology for learning and communication but seeks to balance these with health risks. In parallel, the Health and Education ministries are collaborating on a joint program for digital literacy and responsible screen use, including educational materials for teachers and students, and AI-integrated activities. Further programs are planned for 2026-2027 with partners like Joint-Eshelim to enhance youth resilience.