Screen Time and Children's Health
We are all exposed to media, from television to computers to mobile phones. While we may greatly benefit from technology, excessive screen time may have a negative impact and be harmful for children. Research points to these main risk factors, including obesity, eating habits, headaches and backaches, vision and eye diseases, sleep disorders, motor development and movement skills, cognitive development (learning, language, and mathematics), attention deficit disorder, social development, and emotional well-being (depression and anxiety).
Leading childcare experts in Israel have drafted a document recommending that infants and children under the age of two be limited in their exposure to all electronic media. Up to this age and beyond, great importance is attributed to mutual (non-electronic) games between children and parents. It is highly important to encourage children to play with themselves as well. Following screen time, parents should limit screen use but continue reading stories and encourage children to engage in physical activity, especially outdoor ones. Take them to the playground or let them play in the garden; go for walks in the neighborhood or explore various sites around the country, etc.
What is the recommended age for introducing screen time?
At the age of two, you can introduce various types of screens to children. It is crucial to select age-appropriate screen content. After selecting a specific content, for example, a children’s show, watch the program with the children and discuss the observed content. It is advisable that the screen content is not at a fast or aggressive pace.
Recommended screen time
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2-5 years
Up to one hour a day on all types of screens
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6-18 years
Up to two hours a day, on all types of screens
It is important to note
It is important to note
From the age of two, it is essential to avoid screen time of over 60 minutes before bedtime and refrain from feeding or putting children to sleep while they are engaged in media consumption In general, it is preferable to keep mobile phones, television, tablets, or other media appliances away from children’s bedrooms.
Negative impact of screen time on the vision
Screen time may have an adverse effect on children’s vision, especially with prolonged, uninterrupted screen use or when the screen is positioned 30 cm from the child’s eyes. Prolonged screen use may lead to pediatric dry eye disease and digital eye strain.
To help prevent these effects, it is recommended to adhere to the following guidelines:
- Familiarize yourself with the 20-20-20 rule, which suggests taking a break from the screen every 20 minutes, for 20 seconds, and at a distance of over 20 feet (6 meters).
- During screen time, ensure the child sits properly and that the screen is positioned more than 30 cm away from their eyes. This helps minimize the contraction of the eye muscles, reducing the risk of vision impairment.
- Limit prolonged screen time (over an hour) since extended viewing often leads children to move closer to the screen, and we want to prevent that.
- Encourage physical activity during breaks from watching television, such as playing ball games, catch-games, dancing, etc.
- Screen brightness: it is advised to select maximum screen brightness, and as evening falls and it is dark outside, switch to night lighting, which has more red light and less harmful blue light.
Recommendations for the safe usage of mobile phones among children
The Ministry of Health recommends adhering to safety rules in the use of mobile phones, especially among children.
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1Minimize the use
Minimize the use of mobile phones among children. As parents, it is your responsibility overall, and particularly in this regard, to set an example for your children. For instance, whenever you engage with them—during a conversation, a meal, or while assisting with homework—make it a practice to put your mobile phone aside.
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2Wait with the personal phone
Your child may pressure you to buy them a mobile phone, especially if they have seen one at a friend’s house. Aim to delay the introduction of a mobile phone for as long as possible.
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3Use headphones
Ensure that you use non-wireless headphones or a speaker while using a mobile phone.
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4Avoid during social gatherings
Limit and minimize the use of mobile phones and social media during family meals, social events, and before bedtime.
The impact of mobile phone radiation on children’s health
Mobile phones became more popular later among children than adults. Therefore, the long-term effects of mobile phone radiation on their health have not been fully studied. Considering children’s heightened sensitivity to carcinogens (cancerous agents) and their anticipated long life expectancy, which is likely to be accompanied by prolonged exposure to mobile phones throughout their lives, the Ministry of Health advises exercising extra caution regarding children’s mobile phone usage.