Helsinki: According to the Swedish public health agency’s most recent recommendations, published on Monday, children under the age of two should avoid digital screen entirely, while teenagers should limit their daily screen time to no more than three hours.
The organisation advised a daily screen time limit of one hour for youngsters aged two to five, one to two hours for children aged six to twelve, and two to three hours for teenagers aged thirteen to eighteen. These age-specific limits are based on the developmental needs of children and the potential impact of screen time on their physical and mental health. Cell phones and tablets should also be kept out of children’s bedrooms at night to ensure uninterrupted sleep.
Olivia Wigzell, the agency’s interim Director-General, stated that the suggestions are intended to help parents and carers, as well as children and young people. According to Xinhua, limiting screen time is critical for ensuring youngsters receive enough exercise and sleep.
Helena Frielingsdorf, a physician and researcher at the agency, stated that their study shows that young people experience both positive and harmful effects from digital media. While many people are concerned about screens’ influence, the guidelines are a step towards a more balanced and healthy use of digital media. They are intended to give the assistance young people need to navigate the digital world in a positive way.
A survey released in Sweden in June emphasised the adverse effects of excessive screen usage, such as poor sleep, depressed symptoms, and body dissatisfaction. It warned that children and adolescents are readily drawn into digital activities, frequently at the sacrifice of sleep, relationships, and physical activity.
Sweden’s public health service has encouraged technology businesses to take greater responsibility for reducing health hazards to children and adolescents. This includes implementing features that limit screen time, promoting healthy online behaviours, and providing resources for parents and caregivers to monitor and manage their children’s digital activities.
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The rules, which cover using digital media for leisure purposes, such as social media, video streaming, television, video games, and other kinds of digital entertainment, were developed through extensive discussions with children, parents, specialists, and authorities from Denmark and Norway, as well as the World Health Organisation (WHO). As parents, caregivers, and individuals involved in the upbringing of children and teenagers, your role in implementing these guidelines is crucial for the well-being of our youth.
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–IANS
