Swedish health agency to investigate age limits for smartphones

The Swedish Public Health Agency has been tasked by the government with examining the potential introduction of a minimum age for children to own smartphones, SVT Nyheter reports.

Social Minister Jakob Forssmed (Christian Democrats) stated that tech companies have gained “an iron grip” on children’s time and attention as smartphone ownership among young ages rises. “Children are exposed to harmful and inappropriate content while physical activity, sleep, and social interaction are pushed aside. This must end,” Forssmed said in a press release.

The agency, which has already issued age-adapted screen time recommendations, must submit an interim report by 30 June. The government cited research linking excessive screen use to increased mental health issues among youth.

Current figures show that around 90% of 10-year-olds and 95% of 11-year-olds in Sweden already own a smartphone. The investigation will weigh both the advantages and disadvantages of implementing an age restriction.

Separately, Sweden’s schools will introduce a mobile phone ban this autumn as part of broader efforts to address child screen habits.