How much screen time is OK for my child?
The Public Health Agency of Sweden recommends at most 1 to 2 hours of leisure screen time a day for children aged 6 to 12 and at most 2 to 3 hours for teenagers aged 13 to 18. Children under 2 should preferably not use screens at all, and children aged 2 to 5 at most 1 hour. Wait to give a smartphone until the year your child turns 13.
| Age | Leisure screen time per day |
|---|---|
| 0–2 years | Preferably none |
| 2–5 years | Max 1 hour |
| 6–12 years | Max 1–2 hours |
| 13–18 years | Max 2–3 hours |
What else matters besides minutes?
What children watch and do, and when, matters as much as time. Screens should not push out the things children need and feel good from: school, sleep, family and friends, hobbies away from the screen, and movement. For children aged 6 to 12, keep an eye on content, follow age limits and talk about what happens online. For teenagers, think together about how screens affect their mood.
When should my child get a smartphone?
The Public Health Agency of Sweden advises waiting to give your child a smartphone until the year the child turns 13.
How do we avoid arguments about screens?
- Agree on shared family rules together, and write them down.
- Talk about screen time and content when things are calm, not in the middle of a conflict.
- Keep meals and bedrooms screen-free, for adults too.
- Remember that you are a role model: think about how and when you use screens with your child, and tell them what you are doing on yours.
- Many apps are designed to keep us scrolling. Talk openly about this with older children.
Screens and sleep
Put screens away at least half an hour before sleep and leave them outside the bedroom at night. This makes it easier to fall asleep and improves sleep quality and length.
Try this week
- Write a one-page family screen plan together this weekend.
- Choose one screen-free time every day, for example dinner.
- Use the age guide as a ceiling, not a target.
When to get help
If screen use is taking over sleep, school or friendships, or your child seems low or anxious, talk to your child, their school health service or a doctor.