Stockholm: Sweden’s Public Health Agency has issued a call to action for parents to reduce their mobile phone use when around children, highlighting the growing body of evidence that suggests adults’ screen habits can have a detrimental impact on children’s health and development.

According to Anadolu Agency, the research reviewed by the Swedish Public Health Agency found that excessive screen use by parents can negatively affect interactions with children and is associated with increased screen use among children themselves. Social Affairs Minister Jakob Forssmed commented on the findings, stating, “I don’t think people think that it affects children to the extent that we now know it does.”

The newly released guidelines urge parents to put away their mobile phones when spending time with their children, unless the devices are being used jointly. This initiative stems from a directive given by the Swedish government last year for the agency to investigate the connections between parents’ screen use and children’s well-being.

The Public Health Agency also advised families to create phone-free zones in the home, such as in bedrooms and around dining tables, to encourage face-to-face communication. Helena Frielingsdorf, a psychiatrist and investigator at the agency, emphasized that “children are influenced not only by what adults say, but also by what adults do.” She suggested that minor adjustments in daily routines could significantly impact both immediate interactions and the child’s long-term habits.

Additionally, the guidelines recommend that adults cultivate healthy screen habits and remain mindful of privacy concerns when sharing images or videos of their children online. This guidance expands upon previously issued recommendations from 2024, which provided age-specific advice on limiting screen time for children.