Sweden Says No Screens for Kids Under 2—Here’s Why Parents Everywhere Should Follow New Screen Time Limits

New guidelines call for stricter screen time limits to address mental health, sleep issues, and developmental concerns in children.

Sweden’s Public Health Agency has issued new guidelines advising parents to completely ban screen time for children under the age of two. The move aims to tackle health risks associated with excessive screen exposure, such as poor sleep, mental health challenges, and developmental delays.

Key Points 

• Sweden recommends banning screen use for children under age two

• New guidelines limit screen time for various age groups to promote better health

• Excessive screen time is linked to sleep issues, depression, and poor physical health

Acknowledging the growing impact of screen addiction on young minds, the agency emphasized that toddlers should avoid digital media and television altogether. For children aged two to five, the agency recommends limiting screen time to just one hour per day, while those aged six to twelve should not exceed one to two hours. For teenagers between 13 and 18, screen time should be capped at three hours a day. The agency also advises parents to restrict device use before bedtime and keep electronic gadgets out of bedrooms to encourage better sleep hygiene.

This advice comes as part of a broader global concern over increasing screen time among children and teenagers, a trend that experts warn can lead to a variety of health issues. Sweden’s Public Health Minister Jakob Forssmed highlighted that many teenagers in the country spend over six hours daily on their devices outside of school, leading to what he described as a “sleep crisis.” Forssmed noted that over half of Swedish teens report insufficient sleep, a problem exacerbated by excessive screen use.

Similar concerns have been raised worldwide. In the U.S., teenagers spend an average of more than eight hours a day on their devices. Indian health professionals are also sounding alarms about the harmful effects of prolonged screen time, linking it to issues such as delayed cognitive development, attention problems, and increased obesity risk.

Sweden’s guidelines are designed not only to reduce screen exposure but also to promote healthier habits among young people. Researchers at Drexel University in Philadelphia have linked excessive screen time in infants and toddlers to atypical sensory behaviors associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism and ADHD.

The Swedish Public Health Agency’s report echoes these findings, warning that excessive screen time can lead to depression, poor body image, and a range of other health challenges. The guidelines are part of Sweden’s larger effort to address these issues and create a healthier digital environment for children.

As screen use becomes more pervasive across the globe, Sweden’s initiative serves as a reminder for parents everywhere to carefully monitor and regulate their children’s digital consumption.