Finland has published new national digital guidelines that set stricter limits on children’s use of smartphones, social media and screens during free time. The recommendations advise against personal smartphones and all social media use for children under the age of 13, while calling for no screen time at all for those under two.
The guidelines were prepared by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare and the National Agency for Education. They apply to leisure time and do not cover homework or other school-related tasks.
Under the recommendations, children aged two to five should spend no more than one hour a day using screens. The same limit applies to those aged six to ten. For children aged 11 to 13, daily screen time should not exceed two hours.
Children under two are advised not to use screens at all. Limited exceptions include family video calls, viewing photographs together or listening to music and audiobooks without watching a screen.
The guidance also states that screens should not be used to calm or soothe children. Officials said young children benefit from face-to-face interaction, shared activities and physical play, which support language development and emotional growth.
If a phone is provided to a child under 13, the agencies advise choosing a basic model limited to calling and messaging. The aim is to delay independent device use until there is a clear need in daily life.
The age threshold for smartphones was raised during the consultation process. An earlier draft proposed a lower range. According to Päivi Lindberg, senior specialist at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, feedback from parents and experts supported a higher limit.
“There is clear research evidence that once a child has their own device, usage increases,” Lindberg told STT. She said excessive use links to sleep problems, concentration difficulties and reduced wellbeing.
The guidelines also state that children under 13 should not use social media services. These include platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, WhatsApp, Jodel and YouTube. Age limits for games, television programmes and films should be followed strictly.
The recommendations define screens broadly. Devices covered include smartphones, tablets, televisions, computers, smartwatches and game consoles.
Parents remain responsible for setting rules, supervising use and ensuring protective settings are in place before devices are introduced. The guidance stresses that children should not decide independently on screen use and that adults should remain present when devices are first introduced.
Officials also pointed to the role of adults as examples. Lindberg said limiting children’s screen use becomes harder when parents spend large parts of the day on their own devices.
The work behind the guidelines involved a network of around 160 experts from authorities, research institutions, education providers and civil society. More than 6,000 comments were submitted during a public survey aimed at families with children.
Social Affairs Minister Sanni Grahn-Laasonen said the recommendations aim to support children’s wellbeing and learning and reduce harm linked to digital content. She added that further steps are under consideration.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, the government is preparing a report on restricting social media use for children under 15.
HT
