China's top health authority has urged that children under age 3 should not be exposed to any digital screens, as part of efforts to enhance early childhood development.

The National Health Commission released the recommendation on Saturday in a new guideline aimed at strengthening early childhood development services and fostering a birth-friendly society.

The guideline warns that digital devices, including televisions, computers, smartphones, tablets and game consoles, can reduce communication and interaction time with caregivers, hindering brain development, motor skills, language acquisition, cognition and social interaction of toddlers.

It also highlights an increased risk of myopia linked to prolonged exposure to digital screens.

"It is inappropriate to use screen-based devices as playmates for children," the guideline states. "Children age 3 and under should not be exposed to any form of screen-based products."

The first three years of life are critical for a child's overall development, the commission said, emphasizing the importance of responsive caregiving and early learning opportunities.

To promote healthy development, the guideline recommends providing young children with a variety of toys and books, encouraging play with peers and exposing them to nature.

"Caregivers are encouraged to engage in parent-child activities using toys and read picture books together with their children," it said.

Interacting with peers can help young children develop communication, cooperation and conflict resolution skills, while exposure to different sensory stimuli in nature enhances perceptual abilities and environmental awareness, the commission noted.

The guideline also calls for rural and community healthcare centers, as well as county-level maternal and child care institutions, to assist families in creating a nurturing environment and improving parenting skills.

Ma Li, a mother of a 14-month-old girl in Wuxi, Jiangsu province, said she tries to keep her daughter away from television but occasionally uses a smartphone to keep her child still when trimming her nails or cutting her hair.

"I want to delay her screen usage as much as possible — at least until she turns 3," she said. "When she starts kindergarten, we may allow her to watch some cartoons so she can discuss them with her peers."

To combat rising myopia rates, the commission also recommends that children age 3 to 6 minimize screen exposure. For primary and middle school students, leisure screen time should be limited to 15 minutes at a time and no more than one hour per day.

When using electronic devices for learning, students should take a 10-minute break after 30 to 40 minutes of screen time, the commission said.

wangxiaoyu@chinadaily.com.cn