In Swedish prisons, work or other occupation is mandatory, according to sources. The work gives a small compensation – so-called activity compensation – of about 50 to 120 kronor per day. Most people work six hours a day, five days a week.
Activities can include workshop work, kitchen service, cleaning, studies, or treatment programs. Among the activities are also crocheting, 'paint by numbers', bracelet making, and various sports activities. Since December 2025, a new occupation has been added at Hall Prison, which has Sweden's highest security class: playing FIFA.
The prison in Södertälje has purchased three game consoles shared by about 350 inmates. At each session, a maximum of eight people can participate. The time counts as paid occupation.
We try to find different methods to create good dialogues with the clients. By using activities that they feel at home in and find rewarding, we have overcome several steps.
According to the authority, the setup is intended to function as a tool for training cooperation and social interaction. Cecilia Brauer stated, 'We try to find different methods to create good dialogues with the clients. ' At Norrtälje Prison in Stockholm County, which also has security class 1, they have tested video games.
The consoles are not used regularly, but only on certain special occasions. Currently, there are no plans from a central level to introduce video games broadly within the Swedish Prison and Probation Service. It is unknown how many inmates at Hall Prison participate in the FIFA playing activity or what criteria determine which inmates can participate in the video game sessions.
The effectiveness of video games as a tool for social interaction is not being measured or evaluated.