On Monday, September 2, 2024, the Sweden Public Health Agency warned parents to limit toddlers’ screen time. The agency emphasized the need to restrict screen exposure, especially before bed, to ensure better health and sleep hygiene for children of all ages.
The recommendations are clear:
- Parents should not allow children under the age of two to access digital media.
- Parents should limit children between two to five years old to just one hour of screen time a day.
- Parents should restrict kids between the ages of six and twelve to no more than two hours of screen time a day.
- Teenagers aged 13 to 18 should only spend two to three hours per day on screens.
A Growing Concern for Teenagers
Public Health Minister Jakob Forssmed shared his concern, saying, “For too long, cellphones and other screens have been allowed to enter every aspect of our children’s lives.” According to the minister, Swedish teenagers aged 13-16 spend an average of 6.5 hours per day in front of screens, excluding school hours.
Forssmed also highlighted the ongoing “sleep crisis” in Sweden. Around half of 15-year-olds aren’t getting enough sleep. This excessive screen time leaves little room for communal activities, physical exercise, or proper rest.
The Health Agency’s Recommendations
To address these concerns, the health agency recommends a change in behavior:
- Restrict screen time, particularly before bed.
- Create a technology-free environment around bedtime.
Excessive screen time before sleep can result in sleep disturbances, sadness, and even body dissatisfaction. Prior to this, the Swedish government even discussed the possibility of banning smartphones in elementary schools to curb screen addiction.
The importance of sleep hygiene is also emphasized. Research shows that reducing screen exposure before sleep can:
- Improve sleep quality.
- Reduce the risk of sleep disturbances.
- Enhance overall physical and mental health.
Adopting these practices will help children and teenagers enjoy more restful nights and lead healthier lifestyles overall.
Conclusion: Minimize Screen Time, Especially Before Bed
It’s clear: minimizing screen time, especially no screen before bed, is critical to safeguarding children’s health. Parents should take steps to protect their children’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Explore health issues due to smartphone addiction in-depth here – Neuroscientists Uncover the Brain-Frying Effects of Smartphone Addiction.
