Sweden warned parents on Monday, September 2, (2024) that toddlers should not be allowed to watch screens all the time. The Sweden Public Health Agency recommends that children under the age of two should not have access to digital media. Children between two to five years should be limited to an hour of screen time a day. Children between six to twelve years should restrict their screen time to not more than two hours.
According to the agency, teenagers between the ages of 13 and 18 should be allowed two or three hours per day. Public Health Minister Jakob Forssmed said to the reporter, “For too long, cellphones and other screens have been allowed to enter every aspect of our children’s lives”.
According to the minister, besides school hours, Swedish teenagers aged 13-16 spend an average of 6.5 hours per day in front of screens.
Mr. Forssmed criticized a Swedish “sleep crisis”, expressing that approximately half of 15 year olds were not getting enough sleep. It did not allow “a lot of time for communal activities, physical actual or adequate sleep”.
The health agency also suggested that kids should be restricted from the same. According to research that were studied claims that excessive screen time can cause sadness, insomnia and body dissatisfaction. Prior to this, the Swedish government announced that it was considering banning smartphones in elementary schools.
The Health agency’s suggestion to reduce screen time right before sleep and create a technology-free sleep environment around. It highlights how important it is to give yourself proper sleep hygiene for overall well being. It can improve their sleep quality, reduce the risk of sleep disturbances and foster better physical and mental health. Adapting these habits can lead to more restful nights and contribute to a healthier lifestyle.
Explore health issues due to smartphone addiction in-depth here – Neuroscientists Uncover the Brain-Frying Effects of Smartphone Addiction.
