Public Health Agency issues new advice: Put away your phone when you are with your children
The Public Health Agency has recently published new recommendations aimed at parents in Sweden. The agency emphasizes the importance of adults being more present when interacting with their children and suggests that parents should put away their mobile phones when spending time with the family.
The purpose of the new advice is to strengthen the relationship between parents and children. According to the agency, constant screen use by adults can affect a child's opportunity for contact and interaction. When parents are preoccupied with their phones, it can create a barrier in communication that may have consequences for the child's sense of security and development.
The agency explains that this is not about banning technology entirely, but about creating a better balance in everyday life. They encourage parents to reflect on how much time is spent on screens and to prioritize moments where the focus is entirely on the child, for example during play or meals.
The new guidelines are part of a larger effort to promote good mental health among children and young people in Sweden. By reducing distractions in the home, the Public Health Agency hopes that parents can give their children more attention and support in their daily lives.