In a bold move to safeguard children’s health, Sweden’s Public Health Agency has issued stringent new guidelines advising parents to keep toddlers away from screens entirely. Released on Monday, these recommendations are part of a broader initiative to curb excessive screen time among young people.
Strict guidelines for different age groups
According to the agency, children under the age of two should not be exposed to digital media or television at all. For kids aged two to five, screen time should be restricted to a maximum of one hour per day. As children grow older, the guidelines become slightly more lenient but still emphasize moderation. Those aged six to twelve should limit their screen time to one to two hours daily, while teenagers between 13 and 18 years old should aim for no more than two to three hours per day.
Minister of Public Health speaks out
Public Health Minister Jakob Forssmed expressed concern over the pervasive presence of screens in children’s lives. “For too long, smartphones and other screens have been allowed to enter every aspect of our children’s lives,” Forssmed told reporters. Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Forssmed noted that Swedish teens aged 13 to 16 spend, on average, six and a half hours a day in front of screens outside of school hours.
Forssmed warned that such extensive screen use leaves “not a lot of time for communal activities, physical activity, or adequate sleep,” pointing to a worrying trend he described as a Swedish “sleep crisis.” He revealed that over half of 15-year-olds are not getting enough sleep, a statistic that underscores the urgent need for these new guidelines.
Research and recommendations
The Public Health Agency’s recommendations are backed by research indicating that excessive screen time can lead to a range of negative outcomes, including poor sleep, depression, and body dissatisfaction. The agency also advises parents to ensure that children do not use screens before bedtime and to keep phones and tablets out of bedrooms at night to promote better sleep hygiene.
Future legislative actions
In alignment with these guidelines, Sweden’s government has previously announced that it is considering a ban on smartphones in primary schools. This potential legislation aims to further address the issue of screen addiction among young children and promote healthier habits.
With these new recommendations, Sweden sets a precedent in the fight against excessive screen time, urging parents to take immediate action to protect their children’s well-being. The nation’s focus on reducing screen dependency reflects a growing global awareness of the importance of balanced, healthy lifestyles for the younger generation.