Recommendations on smart device use for children nearing completion in Lappeenranta

Recommendations prepared by the Finnish Brain Association and the city of Lappeenranta on the use of smart devices by children and youth in their leisure time are nearing completion. The national brain health program has finalized a proposal that provides families with information about the effects of smart devices on the brain health of children at various developmental stages. The aim of these recommendations is to assist caregivers in setting common boundaries for smartphone use among their children, as well as guiding them on how to use their devices responsibly in the presence of children.

The forthcoming recommendations are grounded in recent international research on leisure-time smart device usage among children and adolescents. Studies indicate that such usage can diminish children’s interest in play and the real world while impairing social skills and empathy abilities. Currently, the proposal is under review by local caregivers, education professionals, and Lappeenranta’s youth committee.

Key recommendations include:

1. Children under 2 should not be given devices. Parents are advised to avoid using smartphones while their toddlers are awake and to support emotional development without relying on devices for calming.

2. Families are encouraged to charge all devices in a common area at night. This approach discourages bringing smartphones to bed, promoting better sleep quality, which is vital for brain health.

3. The appropriate age for acquiring a smartphone is suggested to be around 12-13 years, with social media use recommended to begin at age 16, as adolescent brains are particularly sensitive to stress.

4. It’s advised to keep devices away during social interactions to enhance focus and engagement.

These recommendations may be implemented as early as November, following the conclusion of the feedback phase.