Sweden’s public health agency is now urging parents to make certain areas of the home phone-free and to put their phones away when spending time with their children. This follows research showing how adult screen time affects kids.
Two years ago, the agency first recommended that parents and guardians “think about” how much time they spend on their smartphones around children. But on Monday, it released new guidelines with more specific advice.
“Put your phone away when you’re with your child. Only use it if you really need to, or when you’re using it together,” the health authority said in a statement. It added that adults who “set good screen habits for themselves” would influence their children’s habits.
The agency also suggested that parents declare certain parts of the home—like the bedroom or the dining table—as “screen-free zones.” It also urged parents to “protect and respect your child online. Think before posting pictures or videos.”
Last autumn, Sweden’s government asked the public health agency to look into any link between children’s health and how much time their parents or guardians spend on screens.
The research showed that parents’ screen use could harm their interactions with their children. It also found a connection between parents’ and children’s screen habits—kids of heavy users often developed similar habits themselves.
“I don’t think people realize that their screen use affects children as much as we now know it does,” said Jakob Forssmed, the minister of social affairs, in an interview with Swedish public broadcaster SVT.
Helena Frielingsdorf, a psychiatrist and researcher at the agency, said children are affected “not only by what adults say, but also by what adults do. That’s why small changes in everyday life can make a difference—both for interactions in the moment and for the child’s own habits over time.”
Sweden had already published guidelines for children, recommending limits on screen time outside of school: none at all for kids under two, one hour a day for ages two to five, two hours for ages six to 12, and three hours for ages 13 to 18.
The guidelines also say children should avoid digital devices completely in the hours before bed, and that phones, tablets, and computers should be left out of the bedroom at night.
The Scandinavian country is also introducing a national ban on smartphones in schools, written into its Education Act. Starting from the 2026-27 autumn term, mobile phones will be banned in schools for children up to grade nine—that is, up to age 15 or 16.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs based on the Swedish governments advice for parents to limit phone use around children
General Definition Questions
1 What does Put your phone away actually mean in this context
It means actively choosing to stop scrolling texting or checking notifications when you are with your child especially during meals playtime and bedtime routines
2 Is Sweden banning phones for parents
No It is a public health recommendation not a law The government is urging parents to be more aware of their screen time not punishing anyone for using a phone
3 Why is Sweden specifically targeting parents and not kids
Because research shows that a parents distraction has a direct impact on a childs emotional development The campaign focuses on the adults behavior first as children learn attention skills from their parents
Benefits Science
4 What is the main benefit of putting my phone away around my kids
It improves the quality of your interaction Children feel more secure heard and valued when they have your full eye contact and attention which builds stronger brain connections for language and empathy
5 Does it really affect a baby or toddler if Im just glancing at my phone
Yes Even brief glances break the serve and return interaction If you look down at your phone the baby stops trying to communicate which can slow down social development
6 How does this help older kids like teenagers
It models healthy behavior If you put your phone away your teen learns that facetoface conversation is important It also reduces the feeling that your phone is more interesting than they are
Common Problems Practical Tips
7 I need my phone for work emergencies How do I balance that
Set clear boundaries Tell your child I need to check my phone for five minutes for work and then I will put it away Use a physical timer so they can see when you will be fully present again
8 What if I feel anxious or bored without my phone
Thats normal Start small put your phone in another room during dinner or for 15 minutes of play The anxiety usually fades after a few days Your childs laughter is a good replacement for the dopamine hit of a notification
