New advice for parents: Put away your phone in front of your children
The Public Health Agency of Sweden has recently published new recommendations for parents. The new advice concerns how adults use their mobile phones and screens when they are with their children. The agency emphasizes that it is important for parents to be more present in the moment.
According to the new guidelines, parents should try to put away their phones to give children their full attention. When adults focus too much on their screens, it can affect the connection and communication with the child. Children need to see their parents' facial expressions and receive a quick response when they seek contact or want to play.
The Public Health Agency believes that digital technology often takes focus away from important everyday situations. If a parent is constantly looking at their phone, the child may feel less important than the technology. By limiting mobile use, parents can instead better support the child's linguistic and social development.
One concrete tip from the agency is to introduce screen-free times during the day. This could, for example, involve not using the phone during shared meals or just before the child goes to bed. The purpose is not to ban phones entirely, but to create a healthy balance between technology and human interaction in the home.
This advice is part of a larger initiative to promote good health among children and young people in Sweden. By being aware of their own screen habits, parents can help create a safer and more stimulating environment for their children in an increasingly digitalized world.