Technology is not only affecting the academic performance of children but also their health. The Global Education Monitoring (GEM) report also says that if you keep mobile phones near children, it distracts them and affects their studies. Still, there is one country in four where smartphones are banned in schools. Sweden’s name has also been added to this list. The Swedish government has completely banned mobile phones and TV for children below two years of age, while setting a screen time limit for children above two years of age.
Actually, the attraction of mobile phones and TV has become a common thing for children. Parents also give mobile phones to their children or make them sit in front of the TV due to their work. But this has a very bad effect on children. Excessive screen time can cause vision problems, sleep problems and obesity. Spending too much time in front of the screen can weaken children’s social skills. Children can develop unrealistic expectations through social media and advertisements. Considering all these possibilities, Sweden has completely banned mobile phones and TV for children up to two years of age.
Sweden bans mobile phones for children under 2 years old
Sweden has completely banned the use of screens for children under two years of age. Screen time limits have been set for children aged two to five years, six to 12 years and above. The government has clearly stated in its consultation that children should not be allowed to use any screen including TV and mobile phones. After this, children will no longer be able to use screens.
Children of this age will also have less screen time
According to the advice issued by the Swedish government, children below two years of age should be kept completely away from mobile phones, TV or any other screen. Children between 2 and 5 years of age should use the screen for a maximum of one hour in 24 hours, while children between 6 and 12 years of age should use the screen for only two hours. They said that children above 12 years of age should also be allowed only three hours of screen time in a day.
Screen time is increasing depression in children
The Swedish government says that many studies have shown that due to excessive screen time, children and teenagers are suffering from lack of sleep and depression. Increasing depression also has a bad effect on their health and physical fitness. They are less active according to their age.
Less than 25% of countries took action
The United Nations says that despite being aware of this, less than 25% of countries have banned the use of smartphones in educational settings. The report released by UNESCO says that mobile phones or computers can distract children and in such a situation their learning environment at school or home is affected. Research shows that once a student’s attention is distracted due to technology, it can take 20 minutes to refocus. The UN Education Department says that technology should be used in the classroom only for education. He said that the classroom and education system have changed in rich countries. Screens have replaced paper and pens have replaced keyboards.
These countries also have strict rules regarding children’s screen time
Countries like America, Ireland, Canada, Australia and France have made strict rules regarding children’s screen time. France in particular has issued the strictest instructions and said that children under the age of three should not be allowed to use screens at all.
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