Sweden Agency Advises Parents Limit Phone Use Around Children

Kathmandu. Sweden's Public Health Agency has concluded that parents' mobile phone use can affect children's behavior, habits, and family interactions, urging them to limit phone use when spending time with children. Through new recommendations, the agency has advised parents to keep phones away as much as possible when with children and use them only in essential situations.

The Swedish Public Health Agency stated that the new guidelines issued on Monday are based on recent research on screen use. Although the agency has been advising parents to be mindful of smartphone use around children since 2024, this time it has put forward more clear and practical advice.

The statement issued by the health authority said, "When you are with your child, keep your phone away. Use it only if necessary or only when you are using it with the child."

The agency has also urged parents to develop 'healthy screen habits' in their own lives. The reason for this is that research has shown that children are directly influenced by adult behavior, and parents' digital habits play an important role in shaping their conduct.

According to the health agency, studies have shown that excessive screen use by parents can negatively affect direct communication and emotional connection with children. Similarly, it has been mentioned that children of parents who spend a lot of time on mobile or other screens are also highly likely to develop similar habits.

The new recommendations also prioritize the practice of creating 'screen-free zones' indoors. The agency has advised against using mobile phones and other screen devices in bedrooms, dining tables, or places where families spend time together.

Psychiatrist Helena Frilingstorff, working at the agency, said that children learn not only the words of adults but also their behavior closely. She said in the statement, "Children are not only influenced by what adults say, they also watch what adults do. Therefore, small changes in daily life can have an impact on immediate family interaction and the child's own habits in the long run."

In recent years, Sweden has been advancing various policies and steps to reduce excessive screen time for children. As a continuation of that, in January, the government announced plans to ban smartphone use in schools for students up to grade 9. If this rule is implemented, children up to the age of about 15-16 years will not be allowed to use smartphones in school.

Sweden's latest recommendation is seen not only as an effort to reduce phone use but also as a campaign to promote direct communication, participation, and healthy digital culture within families.