Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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424. To ask the Minister for Health the public health guidelines that exist in relation to the maximum number of hours different children should spend playing computer games; the way in which these are publicised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14058/18]

Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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While there are currently no specific public health guidelines in relation to the maximum hours that children should spend playing computer games, some general guidance is provided by the HSE and others to parents on this issue. This includes general guidance given through the new public awareness campaign promoting healthy weight in children called START.

This campaign was developed by my Department in collaboration with the HSE and safefood and provides information, advice and tips to inspire, empower and support parents to start building and persist with healthy lifestyle habits in the family to prevent childhood obesity. They key messages of the campaign, available at www.makeastart.ie, include guidance around healthy eating, physical activity, sleep and limiting screen time.

In terms of screen time, it is recommended that children in general should aim for less than 2 hours screen time (TV or computer) a day and zero screen time is recommended for children under 2 years.