Sweden's public health agency has issued new guidelines urging parents to put away their phones when spending time with children, after research showed adult screen use negatively impacts child development. The agency recommends creating 'screen-free zones' in homes, such as bedrooms and dining areas, and advises parents to reflect on their own screen habits.
The guidelines, released on Monday, build on earlier recommendations from two years ago. They encourage parents to only use phones when necessary or when using them together with their child. 'Put your phone away when you're with your child,' the agency stated, adding that adults who model good screen habits influence children's behaviour.
The Swedish government commissioned the research last autumn to investigate links between parental screen time and children's health. Findings revealed that parents' screen use can reduce quality interactions with children and that children of heavy screen users develop similar habits. Social Affairs Minister Jakob Forssmed noted that many people underestimate the impact of their screen use on children.
Psychiatrist Helena Frielingsdorf emphasised that children are affected by what adults do, not just what they say. 'Small changes in everyday life can make a difference, both for interactions in the present and for the child's own habits over time,' she said.
Sweden has also previously published screen time limits for children: none for under-twos, up to one hour daily for ages 2-5, two hours for ages 6-12, and three hours for ages 13-18. Devices should be avoided before bedtime and kept out of bedrooms at night. Additionally, a national school smartphone ban will take effect from autumn 2026, prohibiting phones for students up to age 15-16.
