Guidelines for Parents: Managing Teen Screen Time and Mental Health

Sweden's Public Health Agency has issued important guidelines for parents of teenagers aged 13 to 18, emphasizing the need to manage screen time and digital media usage effectively to protect mental health. The recommendations highlight that teenagers should limit their screen time to a maximum of 2-3 hours per day, excluding academic use, and avoid screens 30-60 minutes before bedtime for better sleep quality.

Parents are encouraged to have open discussions about their children's online activities and experiences, fostering a supportive environment that enables teens to navigate the digital landscape safely. The guidelines stress the importance of teaching teens to balance screen time with other vital activities, such as schoolwork, social interactions, and sleep. Furthermore, the agency warns parents to remain vigilant for signs of unhealthy screen habits and mental health issues, advocating for the use of parental controls and awareness of inappropriate content that may negatively influence their children.

This guidance comes in light of rising concerns regarding the impact of digital media on the mental health of young people, particularly exposure to unrealistic beauty standards and violent online material. The agency underscores the importance of parental involvement in helping teens manage their digital lives constructively and safely.