Sweden's New Guidelines Aim to Curb Screen Time and Boost Kids' Health and Wellbeing

In a significant move aimed at promoting healthier screen habits among children and teenagers, the Swedish health authorities have released new guidelines that recommend no screen exposure for children under the age of two and limit screen time for older age groups. These recommendations arrive amid growing concerns about the potential negative impacts of excessive digital media use on young people's health and wellbeing. The guidelines, announced by Folkhälsomyndigheten, Sweden's public health agency, mark a pivotal shift in how screen time, a ubiquitous part of modern life, is regulated within family settings. For children aged two to five, screen time should not exceed one hour a day, while children aged six to twelve are advised to limit their screen usage to no more than two hours. For teenagers aged thirteen to eighteen, the health authorities have recommended a maximum of three hours of screen time daily. These limits stand in stark contrast to current averages, where children aged nine to twelve reportedly spend four hours a day on screens, and older teenagers, aged seventeen to eighteen, clock in over seven hours a day, excluding schoolwork. Jakob Forssmed, Sweden’s minister of social affairs, emphasized the urgency of these guidelines, stating, "For far too long we have allowed screens and apps to steal time and attention at the cost of what we know is needed to feel well. Digital media can have negative health effects, including worsened sleep and symptoms of depression." The minister's remarks resonate with a growing body of research linking excessive screen time to various health issues among youth. These guidelines also advocate for increased parental engagement regarding technology use. Parents are encouraged to be mindful of their screen time in front of their children and to communicate openly about their digital activities. Forssmed stressed the importance of modeling healthy behaviors, stating, "As parents you are a role model." This call for awareness extends to bedtime routines, with recommendations that children should refrain from using screens before going to sleep and that devices should not be allowed in bedrooms at night. The guidelines come at a time when other countries are also reconsidering their approach to children and technology. In France, a scientific study earlier this year concluded that children under the age of three should have no screen exposure, and the government is experimenting with a ban on mobile phones in schools for children up to the age of fifteen. Sweden is likewise contemplating a similar restriction for primary school students. Helena Frielingsdorf, an investigator with the public health authority, highlighted that the new guidelines provide a framework for not only regulating screen time but also for fostering conversations about digital media's role in children's lives. Forssmed reiterated this point, stating that these recommendations aim to facilitate critical discussions about online experiences, the dangers that may arise, and the overall impact of screen use on health. In a world where screens have become deeply embedded in everyday life, the Swedish health authority's guidelines present a timely intervention. By establishing clear and age-appropriate recommendations, they seek to empower parents and caregivers to take proactive steps toward ensuring that children and teenagers can enjoy the benefits of technology without compromising their health and wellbeing. As society continues to navigate the digital age, these guidelines represent a vital step in promoting a balanced approach to screen use.