New advice for parents: Put away your phone in front of your children
The Public Health Agency of Sweden has issued new recommendations on how adults should use their mobile phones. The new advice is aimed at parents and concerns the importance of being present with their children. The agency wants to encourage adults to put away their screens when spending time with their family.
According to the new advice, it is important for a child's development to have direct contact with their parents. When adults look at their phones, eye contact and conversation with the child are often broken. This can lead to the child feeling less seen and heard, which can negatively affect the child's sense of security and development.
The Public Health Agency emphasizes that mobile phones often take focus away from important everyday situations. This can range from shared meals to playtime in the park. By paying more attention to the children instead of the screen, parents can build a better relationship with their children in daily life.
The purpose of the new advice is not to give parents a guilty conscience, but to provide support and guidance. The agency hopes that this will lead to a discussion about digital habits in Swedish homes. The goal is for both children and adults to feel better by prioritizing shared time without digital distractions.