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Swedish health authority recommends screen ban for children under 2

September 5, 2024

Sweden’s public health authority, Folkhälsomyndigheten, issued new guidelines advising that children under the age of two should not be exposed to any screens, while teenagers should limit their screen time to no more than three hours a day. These recommendations aim to address concerns about the negative impacts of excessive screen use on children’s development, including issues with attention, language skills, and physical health. The guidelines also suggest that screen use among two- to five-year-olds should be limited to one hour per day, and children aged six to twelve should not exceed two hours of screen time daily. (Chadwick, 2024)

The new guidelines reflect a significant reduction from the current average screen time among Swedish children, which can be as high as seven hours a day for older teenagers. The health authority emphasizes the importance of interactive play and physical activities for children’s development and encourages parents to set an example by moderating their own screen use. Additionally, the guidelines recommend keeping screens out of bedrooms to promote better sleep habits. These measures are part of a broader effort to foster healthier, more balanced lifestyles for children and adolescents. (Bryant, 2024)

Sources:

Chadwick, L. (2024, September 3). Euro News. Parents should ban screen use for children under 2, Sweden’s public health agency warns. https://www.euronews.com/health/2024/09/03/parents-should-ban-screen-use-for-children-under-2-swedens-public-health-agency-warns

Bryant, M. (2024, September 2). The Guardian. No screens before age of two, Swedish health authority tells parents. https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/sep/02/no-screens-before-age-of-two-swedish-health-authority-tells-parents