Sweden’s New Screen Time Guidelines: No Screens For Kids Under Two

According to recent guidelines announced Monday by Sweden’s public health authority, Folkhälsomyndigheten, children under the age of two should not be exposed to any screens whatsoever. This includes television, computers, tablets, and smartphones.

By limiting screen exposure, especially for young children, parents can help create a healthier digital environment for their kids to grow and develop.

The guidelines recommendations suggest that screens should not be used before bedtime, and devices like mobile phones and tablets should be kept out of the bedroom during the night. It also suggests to ensure that digital media doesn’t take the place of essential activities such as sleep, physical exercise, relationships, meals, and schoolwork.

For young children aged 2-5, screen time should be limited to a maximum of 1 hour per day, while children aged 6-12 should use screens for no more than 1-2 hours, and those aged 13-18 should limit their screen time to 2-3 hours daily.

Additionally, the guidelines suggest that age limits for social media and games should be respected. Parents are encouraged to actively monitor and discuss the content their children engage with on digital media and to establish agreed-upon rules for screen time.

The guidelines also state that it is important for parents to be aware that their own screen habits can influence both their interactions with their children and their children’s screen habits. Lastly, it’s recommended that children under the age of 2 avoid using screens as much as possible.

The guidelines cite research showing that excessive screen use can lead to poor sleep, depression as well as body dissatisfaction.

“We know that use of digital media can have negative health effects, including worsened sleep and symptoms of depression,” said  Jakob Forssmed, the minister of social affairs, as reported by The Guardian. “Children’s health is paying the price for tech companies’ profits,” added Forssmed.

These concerns arise during a period when it’s quite common for children of all ages to interact with digital devices in various ways.

According to a recent report by the Pew Research Center, parents are increasingly concerned about their children’s excessive screen time. This worry is fueled by the prevalence of digital devices in children’s lives.

For instance, 80% of parents report that their children aged 5 to 11 use tablets, and 63% say the same about smartphones. Even for children under 5, these numbers are significant, with 48% using tablets and 55% using smartphones.

However, it is important to acknowledge that social media can also have positive benefits for young people, as reported by a recent report by the National Library of Medicine. It can help them connect with others who share their interests, access important information, and express themselves creatively. For marginalized groups, social media can provide a supportive community and promote mental health.

To address concerns about digital device usage, parents should follow recommended screen time guidelines. This can help ensure children’s well-being and promote healthy digital habits while also recognizing the positive aspects of social media.