Dutch gov't advises no screen time for toddlers; No more than 3 hours per day for teens
In addition to an age limit of 15 years on social media, the caretaker Dutch government also issued advice on screen time in general for children. The guideline ranges from no screen time for babies and toddlers to no more than three hours per day for teens aged 12 and older, NOS reports.
The guideline also states that children and teens should not use screens during mealtimes and in the bedroom, and parents should limit their own screen time in the presence of their kids.
If children had been using a screen, the “20-20-2 rule” should apply. “After 20 minutes of screen time, look into the distance for 20 seconds, and then play outside for 2 hours.” According to the government, this will help prevent eye problems like myopia.
The guideline also addresses the type of screen time. Consumed media must connect with the child’s world, parents must be involved in the media use, and children should not be dependent on the screen to entertain themselves.
The caretaker Cabinet drew up these guidelines in collaboration with researchers and experts. They also drew up guidelines specifically for smartphones and social media, which leaked yesterday.
The guidelines won’t be laid down in law. They are non-binding advice.
Recommended screen time by age:
- 0 - 2 years: no screen time
- 2 - 4 years: up to 30 minutes per day
- 4 - 8 years: up to 1 hour per day
- 8 - 10 years: up to 1.5 hours per day
- 10 - 12 years: up to 2 hours per day
- 12 years and older: up to 3 hours per day
