עברית
Naturopathy and Natural Medicine
Screen Time Smart: What Screens Are Doing to Your Kids' Health
In today's world, avoiding screens entirely is nearly impossible. However, for children, the damage could be significant. What's the recommended screen time for kids?
- Rut Liat Faltz
- |Updated
Leading health organizations—including the Medical Association, Pediatricians Association, Child Psychiatry Association, Neurologists Association, Ophthalmologists Association, and Nutritionists Association—along with representatives from the Ministry of Health and the Teachers' Union, have signed a groundbreaking document warning parents about the dangers of exposing infants to screens. They emphasize that prolonged screen exposure, for both children and adults, poses significant health risks. Their recommendations are as follows:
Do not allow any screen time for children under one and a half years old.
For ages three to five, limit screen time to one hour per day.
For ages 5 to 18, screen use should not exceed two hours per day.
For those 18 and older (including adults), the recommendation is no more than four hours of screen use daily.
Below are some of the consequences of prolonged screen exposure, including handheld gaming devices that emit blue light (such as Game Boy):
Severe sleep disturbances caused by screen exposure – Over the past three years, many families have increasingly turned to melatonin supplements to help with sleep. It is alarming that even infants are struggling to fall asleep independently. Excessive screen use plays a significant role in this issue.
Anxiety and depression – Studies show that prolonged screen use increases the risk of anxiety and depression.
Obesity – Have you noticed how difficult it has become to lose weight? Prolonged sitting in front of a screen, instead of engaging in even basic physical activity, contributes to weight gain.
Blurred vision and other eye problems – There is no doubt that blue light from screens is already causing damage to eye health.
Developmental issues – Research indicates an increase in developmental problems, particularly in social development, attention and concentration, and even difficulties with math comprehension and cognitive function, linked to excessive screen exposure during childhood.
