Are you starting to understand the Haredi public? Against the backdrop of data indicating a spike in the rate of addiction among students in Israel: The Ministry of Health today (Thursday) published for the first time recommendations for parents on limiting screen use.
According to a report in 'Kan News', the Ministry of Health recommends waiting at least until the age of 13 before purchasing a smartphone for a child, and even then - you should make sure that the device does not have access to social networks.
According to the guidelines, a simple, non-smart, mobile phone can be provided from the age of 9 to 11, depending on the child's communication needs with parents and their readiness.
Joining social networks is recommended only for those aged 15 and over, and even then under parental guidance and digital control.
As for daily screen time, the recommendation is to prevent complete exposure to screens for babies up to two years old; for those aged two to five, it is recommended to limit viewing to only one hour a day; for those aged six to nine - less than two hours a day; and for those aged 10 to 12 - up to three hours a day.
Dr. Sharon Levy, Director of the Department of Education and Health Promotion, emphasized the importance of creating "screen-free times" during family meals, especially before bedtime.
She also recommended keeping screens completely away from the bedroom area - to maintain sleep hygiene.
The Ministry of Health explains that excessive exposure to screens is directly linked to impaired sleep, an increased risk of being overweight, impaired language development in early childhood, and worsening mental health - including depression, anxiety, impaired body image, and fear of missing out.
The new guidelines are being published against the backdrop of recent research data for 2025, which shows that approximately 16 percent of Israeli students are defined as addicted to social media, and nearly 30 percent spend more than six hours a day in front of a screen.
