Public Health Agency: No smartphones for children under 13
The Public Health Agency of Sweden has now presented new recommendations regarding children's use of digital media. The agency advises parents to wait until children have turned 13 before giving them their own smartphone.
The purpose of the new advice is to promote better health among children and young people. According to the agency, premature use of smartphones can negatively affect children's sleep, physical activity, and ability to concentrate. By limiting screen time, they hope to reduce the risk of mental health issues.
In addition to the recommendation regarding an age limit, the Public Health Agency emphasizes the importance of parents being present and setting clear boundaries for how digital technology is used in the home. It is not just about limiting time, but also about ensuring that children have time for play, physical activity, and face-to-face social interaction.
The new guidelines are part of a larger effort to address the challenges that digital development poses for today's families. The agency hopes that this advice will serve as support for parents in an everyday life where digital tools are becoming increasingly common in school and during leisure time.