Israel's Health Ministry Issues Comprehensive Screen-Time Guidelines for Children and Teenagers
Israel's Health Ministry has released new, comprehensive recommendations for parents regarding screen time and social media use for children and teenagers. The guidelines advise against any screen exposure for children from birth to age 2, including screens playing in the background. For ages 2-5, screen time should be limited to one hour daily, with an emphasis on high-quality content and parental co-viewing. Children aged 6-9 are recommended to have less than two hours of recreational screen use per day, encouraging alternative activities. The ministry suggests delaying a child's first smartphone until ages 9-11, opting for a basic device, and waiting until at least age 13 for a smartphone with social media access delayed until age 15. These recommendations are based on scientific literature, global health organization guidance, and findings from the Israel Pediatric Association, aiming to promote age-appropriate, balanced, and responsible technology use. 
