Sweden Proposes Mandatory Language Screening for Young Children to Boost Integration

The Swedish government is investigating the introduction of mandatory language screening for young children to address disparities in Swedish language skills and improve early intervention. Social Minister Jakob Forssmed highlighted the critical role of language proficiency in children's health, social participation, and integration, emphasizing the importance of early support for better outcomes.

The planned screening is expected to target children aged approximately two and a half to three years old. Current voluntary assessments at child health centers do not specifically focus on the Swedish language spoken at home, which has contributed to many children starting school without sufficient language skills despite attending preschool. This gap has raised concerns among educators like Helena Lückner, vice-chair of Sveriges Lärare in Gothenburg, who called it a major failure.

The government has tasked Erna Zelmin, former director-general of the Swedish Work Environment Authority, with proposing a mandatory screening system for Swedish language skills. The investigation will also explore challenges such as defining adequate language abilities, accounting for children’s varying developmental rates, and exceptions for children unable to take the test. The only proposed mandatory support for those identified with language deficiencies is language preschool, which is simultaneously under review.

Minister Forssmed pointed to significant geographic disparities in children's language abilities and stressed the need for early identification and support. Education and Integration Minister Simona Mohamsson added that language poverty limits children's autonomy and freedom before school even begins.

The government aims to complete the investigation by August 24, 2026, with hopes for rapid implementation, although the measures will not be introduced before the upcoming election. Several municipalities already conduct language tests for preschool staff to ensure educators have strong language skills, highlighting the broader commitment to improving language competencies among young children and those who teach them.