The government has tasked the Public Health Agency with investigating when children should first get a smartphone, according to multiple reports. Social Minister Jakob Forssmed said the agency will review the knowledge base and, if supported, propose a rule, recommendation, or guideline for when one should have their first smartphone. An age limit may be presented on June 30 this year when the investigation is partially reported.
According to Aftonbladet, Forssmed expressed concern about children moving from a play-based childhood to a smartphone-based childhood. He said tech companies have their tentacles in children's hands and pockets. Forssmed noted that smartphone use affects sleep and mental health, and Swedish children are particularly affected. He added that Sweden has given children smartphones very early and now has the most sedentary children in the Nordic region. Forssmed also stated that a smartphone is worse than a tablet or computer because it is constantly present.
Currently, 90% of Swedish 10-year-olds and 95% of 11-year-olds have a smartphone, according to major media reports. Researchers Forssmed has been in contact with indicate there are reasons to delay the age for first smartphone. Forssmed personally noted that researchers he talks to suggest an age of 13-14 years.
Denmark and Finland have set 13 years as a guideline by various authorities. Forssmed said the guideline would help parents, as those who want to introduce a smartphone earlier would have to justify it, rather than parents who want to wait having to justify it. The government previously tasked the Public Health Agency with developing screen time recommendations for children and is investigating an age limit for social media.
After the investigation, the Public Health Agency will disseminate information to the public. It remains unclear what specific age limit the agency will propose, whether the guideline will be binding or non-binding, and how it will be enforced or communicated to parents and schools.