Recommendations for Mobile Device and Internet Use by Children

As children increasingly interact with technology, it’s essential to set age-appropriate guidelines to ensure healthy habits. Recent studies and recommendations from experts in Spain offer valuable insights into managing children’s exposure to screens and the internet.

Recommendations by Age Group

0–3 Years: Zero Screen Time

• What Experts Say: The Spanish government's committee of 50 experts advises zero screen exposure for children under 3 years. This aligns with the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommendations, which discourage screen use for children under 2 years. Between 3–4 years, screen time should be limited to less than one hour daily, with “the less, the better.”
• Why This Matters: Early childhood is critical for brain development. Excessive screen use in this phase can disrupt neural growth, reduce sleep quality, and hinder motor skill development.
• Parent Actions:
  • Focus on interactive play and real-world exploration.
  • If screens are used (e.g., video calls with relatives), ensure they are supervised and kept brief.

4–6 Years: Limit to 1 Hour Per Day

• Screen Time: Limit daily screen use to one hour of age-appropriate content.
• Key Focus: Encourage physical activities and in-person social interaction.
• Parent Actions:
  • Choose educational apps and monitor content. Check list of best parental control applications of 2024 .
  • Co-watch to foster communication and understanding of media.

7–12 Years: Gradual Introduction with Supervision

• Device Use: Children in this group can begin using devices for education and leisure, but screen time should remain below two hours daily.
• Digital Education: Teach basic online safety, such as recognizing inappropriate content and understanding privacy.
• Parent Actions:
  • Use parental controls to block harmful websites.
  • Create shared family rules about device use times and locations (e.g., no screens at the dinner table or during homework).

13–16 Years: Responsible Independence

• Screen Use and Mobile Phones: Experts suggest delaying smartphones with internet access until at least 16 years. This reduces risks such as exposure to cyberbullying and addictive behaviors.
• Internet Habits: Encourage balance by promoting offline activities like sports or hobbies.
• Parent Actions:
  • Monitor online behavior while respecting privacy.
  • Discuss the consequences of excessive screen use, including its impact on sleep, mental health, and physical well-being.

16–18 Years: Independent and Balanced Use

• Develop Autonomy: Teach teenagers to self-regulate screen time, emphasizing its impact on productivity and health.
• Mental Health Awareness: Discuss how excessive device use can lead to issues like stress, depression, or social isolation.
• Parent Actions:
  • Encourage conscious device use (e.g., setting limits for social media).
  • Avoid unlimited data plans to encourage thoughtful online activity.

General Recommendations for Parents and Schools

1. Create Screen-Free Zones: Establish areas like bedrooms or dining spaces where screens are not allowed to encourage better family interactions and rest.
2. Lead by Example: Model responsible device usage to set a positive example for children.
3. Promote Physical Activity: Replace screen time with activities that promote physical and social development.
4. Educate About Online Safety: Schools should include lessons on cybersecurity, recognizing misinformation, and online etiquette.
5. Limit Nighttime Device Use: Avoid device use an hour before bed to ensure good sleep hygiene.

Final Thoughts

Adopting these age-specific guidelines and fostering open communication about technology use can help children grow into responsible digital citizens. By working together, parents and schools can ensure a balanced approach to technology that supports learning, health, and social well-being.

For further details, refer to sources:

• lazaron.es 
• cybernews.com 
• surinenglish.com