Swedish health authority urges parents to put down their phones

Sweden's health authority has issued guidance calling on parents to reduce smartphone use and spend more quality time with their children. The recommendation is part of a broader effort to combat digital addiction in children.

Sweden's health authority has issued a statement urging parents to put down their smartphones and dedicate more time to spending time with their children. The guidance is aimed particularly at families where children's digital addiction has become a serious concern.

In recent years, Swedish authorities have increasingly focused on the harmful effects of excessive smartphone use on children and young people. Experts emphasize that children often learn behavioral patterns from their parents' example – if a parent is constantly on their phone, it sends a message to the child that this is normal and acceptable behavior.

According to the health authority, it is not enough to simply limit children's screen time if parents themselves are spending hours on their devices. Experts believe it is important for families to create shared screen-free times, for example during meals or before bedtime.

Sweden has been a leader in regulating children's digital environments – the country has, for instance, restricted smartphone use in schools. This new guidance extends that approach to the home environment, emphasizing that change must start with adults.