Israel Ranks High Globally in Youth Social Media Addiction

The Israeli Ministry of Health has released new guidelines for parents concerning screen time for children and adolescents, aiming to curb excessive use and its negative health impacts. The recommendations include a complete ban on screens for toddlers, delaying smartphone access until age 13, and prohibiting social media use until age 15. These measures are designed to foster age-appropriate balance and restore parental control, recognizing that excessive screen time directly affects physical and mental well-being.

Research indicates that prolonged virtual engagement can impair sleep quality, negatively impact body image, and exacerbate symptoms of eating disorders, emotional distress, and fear of missing out. A survey of 752 parents revealed that managing screen time is their primary health concern for their children. A 2025 international study involving Bar-Ilan University found that 16.3% of Israeli students are classified as "addicted" to social media, placing Israel among the highest in a 60-country comparison. Additionally, approximately 28.7% of middle and high school students spend six or more hours daily on screens during leisure time, with higher rates among young girls.

The Ministry's guidelines are tiered by age. For children under two, no screen exposure is recommended, including background screens. From ages two to five, screen time should be limited to one hour daily with adult supervision. For ages 6-9, the limit is two hours; for ages 10-12, three hours; and for older teens, the focus shifts to supervising content quality and setting boundaries.

Regarding device acquisition, the Ministry suggests delaying the purchase of a first mobile phone (basic model only) until ages 9-11. Smartphones are recommended from age 13 onwards, without social media apps. Access to social media platforms should only be granted from age 15, contingent on emotional readiness, filtering mechanisms, and parental guidance. The Ministry emphasizes that excessive exposure in early childhood can delay linguistic and cognitive development, while in older children, it disrupts sleep, reduces physical activity, increases obesity risk, and harms academic achievement, social skills, and mental health, leading to higher rates of anxiety and depression.