Children under three years of age should grow up without screens. They should only reach the Internet after nine years and its own smartphone is suitable only from twelve years. This stems from recommendations for the healthy use of screen media in children and adolescents issued by the Ministry of Health (MZ) of the Slovak Republic together with experts. TASR informed the Communication Department of the Ministry of Health.
- Children under three years of age must not use screen devices.
- The smartphone is suitable for children from twelve years.
- Adolescents can use the Internet limited, based on parental rules.
- The screens should not be a remedy for reward or soothing.
- Recommendations are based on consultations of experts and government initiatives.
“The aim of the clear manual is to provide parents, carers and professional public with a preventive tool to prevent the emergence of so -called non -substitute addictions that have a fundamental impact on the mental health of all of us,” approached the resort.
Another principle is that an adolescent aged 12 to 16 years of age can use the Internet separately, but the parent decides how long. “Outside school responsibilities, he should not spend more than two hours a day in front of the screen and not after 21.00,” The Ministry specified.
For the age group 16 to 18 years, the parent sets the parent depending on the maturity of the child. However, parents and older siblings, according to experts, should go to children an example. “Think about the rules of healthy use of screen media not only in relation to the child, but also in relation to yourself,” It is stated in the manual.
Experts emphasize that screens should not be used as a reward or as a means of soothing the child. “Create a family media plan – the rules of using screens in a family that will be respected not only by children but also by adults. In the family, take time without screens or off -line mode,” advised. The screens do not recommend switching on in the morning, they should be postponed at least an hour before bedtime. It is also advisable to have them in another room during learning or work.
Recommendations were created as a consensus of several professional companies. The Ministry specified that it was a role that it has fulfilled on the basis of a resolution of the Council of the Government of the Slovak Republic for mental health and action plan for the National Mental Health Program for the years 2024 to 2030.
