Swedish health agency urges parents to put away phones around children

Sweden’s Public Health Agency issued new guidelines Monday advising parents to set aside their mobile phones when spending time with children unless using the device together, according to a report by public broadcaster SVT.

The recommendations include creating phone-free zones in homes, such as bedrooms or dining areas, to reduce screen use in front of children. The agency cited research showing that parental screen habits can negatively affect parent-child interaction and influence children’s own screen time.

A 2025 survey by the Swedish Media Council found many parents of children aged 0–12 believe their own mobile use is excessive.

“Children are shaped not just by what adults say, but by what they do,” said Helena Frielingsdorf, a psychiatrist and investigator at the Public Health Agency. “Small everyday changes can make a difference—both for immediate interaction and for a child’s long-term habits.”

The guidelines also urge parents to protect children’s privacy online by thinking carefully before sharing images or videos of them. While the agency has previously set screen time limits for children, no such restrictions are proposed for adults.