Healthy Screen Use in Early Childhood – Essential Information for Every Parent

 Healthy Screen Use- The article was written within the framework of the Goshen Association by Ms. Yael Lederer, a speech-language pathologist who researches the effects of screen exposure on children and lectures on the topic in Israel and abroad. At the end of this post, you’ll find links to the full article, as well as more information about Ms. Lederer and the Goshen Association.

The article is highly practical, offering well-reasoned and age-specific recommendations for parents. What I especially liked is that the content is concise, to the point, and realistic, screens are an inseparable part of our lives, and instead of fighting them, we should learn how to use them wisely and positively.

In this blog, I’ll focus on children aged 0–6 years, and share some key facts and recommendations that every parent should know.

💡 Why Can Improper Screen Use Be Harmful?

According to research, excessive screen exposure in early childhood may increase the risk of difficulties in several areas:

• Language development

• Sleep quality

• Social development

• Attention and learning skills

• Vision

• Eating habits

• Emotional regulation

⏳ Too much screen time means less time for play, movement, and human interaction — all of which are essential for healthy child development.

🍼 When and How to Introduce Screens?

Up to age 2 – It is recommended to avoid screens altogether. Ages 2–5 – Limited exposure to high-quality content, up to one hour per day.

What is “high-quality content”?

• Slow-paced, with moderate visual and sound effects

• No physical or verbal violence

• A clear storyline with a beginning, middle, and end(as opposed to repetitive YouTube videos such as “unboxing,” “crushing,” or “eating” videos)

• In the child’s native language or a language they hear in their everyday social environment
  

🚫 When Not to Allow Screen Time – Even for Ages 2–5

• If your child cannot yet talk about what they watched, wait before exposing them further.

• If they struggle to stay engaged in other activities such as listening to a story or playing.

• Avoid screens 60 minutes before bedtime, and not during meals or while falling asleep.
  

It’s important to remember: Screens are not meant to calm children. Using screens to soothe emotions can make emotional regulation harder in the future.

Prefer screen exposure at home, when there’s no ongoing family or social activity.In public places or during social interactions, children need real-world engagement and communication, not screens.

💬 Why Talk to Children About What They Watch?

Research shows that talking with children about what they’ve seen supports language development and strengthens emotional connection. It’s best to watch together and talk about:

• What did we see and understand?

• What emotions or thoughts did the characters have?

• How does this content relate to your child’s own experiences?

Even if you didn’t watch together, you can still ask:

• “What was funny?”

• “What was scary?”

• “What was interesting about the show?”

These conversations encourage emotional expression, comprehension, and open family dialogue.

👶 Will Delaying Screen Exposure Leave My Child Behind?

Absolutely not! Screen technology is intuitive and easy to learn. When the time comes, every child will learn to use it quickly and confidently.

💡 Final Tip

Screens are here to stay, but how and when we use them is our choice as parents. Mindful, informed use will protect your child’s development and help maintain a calmer, more balanced home 💗

📎 Read the full article on the Ministry of Health website 📎 More information about the Goshen Association: https://www.goshen.org.il