Children under age 2 should be forbidden screen time and TV, according to this country

There is a concerning issue with technology and young children.

Excessive screen time is known to have negative effects on developing minds.

Swedish health officials have now recommended that toddlers should not be allowed to use digital media or watch TV at all, citing potential problems like poor sleep and mental health issues.

The Public Health Agency of Sweden specifically stated that children under 2 should be prohibited from using such devices.

They also recommended that children between 2 and 5 should have a maximum of one hour of screen time per day, and those aged 6 to 12 should limit their device usage to one or two hours a day.

Teenagers between 13 and 18 years old should not exceed three hours of screen time per day, according to the health organization.

The institution advised against using devices before bedtime and suggested keeping them out of the bedroom at night.

This guidance comes at a time when there is a global internet addiction crisis, with children of all ages spending more time on screens than ever before.

“For too long, smartphones and other screens have been allowed to enter every aspect of our children’s lives,” said Sweden’s Public Health Minister Jakob Forssmed, as reported by Fortune.

The health official highlighted that Swedish teenagers spend an alarming amount of time, 6½ hours per day, on their devices outside of school hours.

Comparatively, studies have shown that American teenagers spend an average of 8 hours and 39 minutes per day on screens.

Forssmed mentioned that constant screen time leaves little room for social activities, physical exercise, and even sleep.

Sweden is facing a “sleep crisis” with over 50% of teens not getting enough sleep due to excessive screen time and social media use.

Research indicates that excessive device use can lead to various health issues like depression, poor sleep, and body dissatisfaction.

Studies from Drexel University in Philadelphia suggest that babies and toddlers exposed to screen time are more likely to exhibit sensory behaviors associated with neurodevelopmental disorders.

This behavior can make children more prone to tantrums as they lack interaction with others to learn emotional regulation.

Unfortunately, parents often resort to giving devices to calm their children during tantrums, perpetuating the cycle.