Principles of healthy screen media use for children

The Slovak Ministry of Health, together with expert organisations, has released the ‘Recommendations for Healthy Use of Screen Media in Children and Adolescents – Slovakia 2025.’ The guide supports parents, caregivers and professionals in preventing behavioural (non-substance) addictions and promoting healthy digital habits.

The recommendations set clear age-based limits: no active or passive screen use for children under 3; no internet access and no personal smartphones before age 9 and 12 respectively; and restricted, parent-supervised use for adolescents. For 12–16-year-olds, recreational screen time should not exceed two hours daily and should end before 21:00, with parental rules tailored to maturity for ages 16–18.

Developed through consensus by Slovak paediatric, psychological and clinical associations, the guidance aligns with the National Mental Health Programme 2024–2030 and draws on international best practice. Additional advice includes modelling healthy screen use, avoiding screens as rewards, creating a family media plan, and maintaining regular offline periods.

Read the report here.