Overview: A first-of-its-kind look at adult screen time
In a move signalling a broader view of family health, the Swedish government has tasked the Public Health Agency (Folkhälsomyndigheten) with examining adults’ use of screens. This is the first time the government has given the agency a formal remit to study how adults engage with smartphones, tablets, and computers and what it could mean for family life. The aim is to build a clearer picture of how adult screen time intersects with children’s health and development.
Why now: linking adult habits to child outcomes
Minister Jakob Forssmed noted a growing body of research suggesting that how adults interact with screens can influence children’s well-being. He cited potential effects on parent–child attachment, language development, and behavioural patterns. While Forssmed avoided ranking adult screen time as definitively more problematic than children’s use, he acknowledged that many adults feel their own screen habits are a struggle. “About half of adults say they use their mobile more than they would wish,” he said.
What the agency will do: knowledge synthesis and dissemination
The assignment has two core objectives. First, Folkhälsomyndigheten will compile and assess the existing research on adult screen time, identifying what is known about its effects and where evidence remains uncertain. Second, the agency will develop ways to spread clear, practical information to multiple audiences. This includes the general public and specific groups such as child health centers (BVC), parenting support groups, preschools, and similar community settings. The emphasis is on informing and supporting families rather than blaming them.
How recommendations for adults might look
Forssmed stressed that this effort is unlikely to yield strict time-based recommendations like those already issued for children and youths. Instead, the focus is on awareness and practical guidance for the appropriate use of technology across different situations. It’s about how families can navigate screen use in daily life—whether at mealtimes, during homework, or in moments when disconnecting from devices could be beneficial. The goal is to tailor guidance to real-life contexts while avoiding stigmatization of parents or caregivers.
Not about shaming—about empowerment
The minister underscored that the initiative is not intended to assign blame. Rather, it seeks to equip families with knowledge and tools to create healthier routines, supporting parents in making informed choices about when and where screen use is most appropriate.
Implementation and timeline
The agency’s work involves not only compiling evidence but also determining the best channels for communication. Ideas under consideration include brochures, digital resources, and targeted outreach through health services, such as BVCs, to reach parents and carers. The exact methods will be decided as the work progresses. The assignment is scheduled to run through to 1 June next year.
What this means for families and practitioners
For families, the potential outcomes include practical strategies for balancing screen time with other activities, clearer conversations about technology, and support for maintaining healthy routines. For health professionals and educators, the project could provide evidence-based talking points and materials that help caregivers navigate conversations about screens with sensitivity and support rather than judgment. Ultimately, the effort reflects a broader public health approach: recognizing that adults’ digital habits can influence children’s development and that guidance should be accessible, context-specific, and non-judgmental.
Conclusion: A proactive step in adapting to a digital era
As technology continues to permeate daily life, understanding adult screen time becomes an essential complement to child-focused guidance. By illuminating what happens in real homes and delivering practical resources, Folkhälsomyndigheten aims to support healthier family dynamics and better outcomes for children—while respecting adults’ autonomy and the benefits technology can offer in everyday life.
