The Swedish Public Health Agency has issued new guidelines on September 3 advising that children under two years old should avoid digital screens entirely, while teenagers should limit their screen time to a maximum of three hours per day.
According to a report by Xinhua News Agency, the agency recommends that children aged 2-5 years should have no more than one hour of screen time per day. For children aged 6-12 years, the recommended limit is 1-2 hours per day, and for teenagers aged 13-18 years, the limit is 2-3 hours per day. The agency also advises parents to keep smartphones and tablets out of children’s bedrooms at night.
Olivia Wigzell, Acting Director of the agency, emphasized that these recommendations are intended to support parents, caregivers, and young people by ensuring that children get enough exercise and rest by reducing screen time.
Helena Frylingsdorff, a physician and researcher at the agency, highlighted that their research shows both positive and negative effects of digital media on young people. Many are concerned about the impact of screen time and are attempting to adjust their behavior. The new guidelines aim to provide the necessary support for these changes.
A report published in Sweden last June highlighted the consequences of excessive screen time, including poor sleep quality, depression, and body dissatisfaction. It warned that children and teenagers can easily become engrossed in the digital world, affecting their sleep, relationships, and physical activity.
The agency also called on tech companies to take more responsibility in mitigating health risks for children and teenagers.
The guidelines cover the use of digital media during leisure time, including social media, video streaming, television, video games, and other forms of digital entertainment. The recommendations were developed in consultation with children, parents, experts, and agencies from Denmark and Norway, as well as the World Health Organization. (TNA)
