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

The Israeli Ministry of Health has released new recommendations for parents aimed at curbing excessive use of smartphones, electronic screens, and social media among children and adolescents. The guidelines strongly advise against any screen exposure for children under two years old. For older children, the ministry recommends waiting until age 13 to purchase a smartphone and until age 15 to allow access to social media platforms.

These recommendations stem from growing concerns about the impact of screen time on child development. A Ministry of Health press briefing highlighted that excessive screen use is a primary health concern for Israeli parents, according to a survey of 752 parents. Israel faces high rates of screen and social media addiction, ranking among countries with the most affected youth in a global study.

Data from 2025 indicates that 16.3% of Israeli students are classified as "addicted" to social media, a significant increase 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. Many parents report difficulty in setting and enforcing clear limits on screen usage.

The ministry's advice includes delaying smartphone purchases until age 13, with access to social media restricted until age 15, and only with parental supervision and clear rules. It also emphasizes keeping screens out of bedrooms and ceasing screen use at least an hour before bedtime to promote healthy sleep habits.

The guidelines, developed after reviewing scientific literature and recommendations from international health organizations and the Israel Pediatric Association, are intended to promote balanced, age-appropriate, and conscious technology use rather than outright prohibition. They detail specific recommendations for different age groups, from infancy to late adolescence, focusing on content quality, limiting screen time, encouraging physical activity and social interaction, and ensuring screens do not interfere with sleep or academic performance.