Sweden Limits Screen Time For Children

The Swedish Public Health Authority has issued new guidelines to reduce screen time for children and teenagers. The move aims to combat the negative health effects associated with excessive screen use. This is the first time the authority has offered detailed advice on how parents should supervise their kids' screen use.

As per the latest guidelines, children under the age of two should not be exposed to any screens. For children aged two to five years, the screen time should be limited to one hour per day. Also, less than two hours of screen usage each day is recommended for children aged six to 12. Three hours a day is the recommended amount of screen time for teenagers between the ages of 13 and 18.

The new limits mark a sharp decrease from current averages. According to an Economic Times report, nine- to 12-year-olds currently spend an average of four hours a day on screens in Sweden, while 17- and 18-year-olds spend over seven hours daily excluding schoolwork. The guidelines also recommended creating screen-free environments, especially before bedtime.

Sweden's Minister for Social Affairs, Jakob Forssmed, has raised concerns about the potential dangers of prolonged screen time, particularly its impact on sleep and its contribution to symptoms of depression. The minister also highlighted the need to limit screen usage to foster better mental and physical well-being among children and teenagers.