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Sweden’s New Screen Time Guidelines: No Screens For Kids Under Two
- Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
- Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor
According to recent guidelines announced Monday by Sweden’s public health authority, Folkhälsomyndigheten, children under the age of two should not be exposed to any screens whatsoever. This includes television, computers, tablets, and smartphones.
By limiting screen exposure , especially for young children, parents can help create a healthier digital environment for their kids to grow and develop.
The guidelines recommendations suggest that screens should not be used before bedtime, and devices like mobile phones and tablets should be kept out of the bedroom during the night. It also suggests to ensure that digital media doesn’t take the place of essential activities such as sleep, physical exercise, relationships, meals, and schoolwork.
For young children aged 2-5, screen time should be limited to a maximum of 1 hour per day, while children aged 6-12 should use screens for no more than 1-2 hours, and those aged 13-18 should limit their screen time to 2-3 hours daily.
Additionally, the guidelines suggest that age limits for social media and games should be respected. Parents are encouraged to actively monitor and discuss the content their children engage with on digital media and to establish agreed-upon rules for screen time.
The guidelines also state that it is important for parents to be aware that their own screen habits can influence both their interactions with their children and their children’s screen habits. Lastly, it’s recommended that children under the age of 2 avoid using screens as much as possible.
The guidelines cite research showing that excessive screen use can lead to poor sleep, depression as well as body dissatisfaction.
“We know that use of digital media can have negative health effects, including worsened sleep and symptoms of depression,” said Jakob Forssmed, the minister of social affairs, as reported by The Guardian . “Children’s health is paying the price for tech companies’ profits,” added Forssmed.
These concerns arise during a period when it’s quite common for children of all ages to interact with digital devices in various ways.
According to a recent report by the Pew Research Center, parents are increasingly concerned about their children’s excessive screen time. This worry is fueled by the prevalence of digital devices in children’s lives.
For instance, 80% of parents report that their children aged 5 to 11 use tablets, and 63% say the same about smartphones. Even for children under 5, these numbers are significant, with 48% using tablets and 55% using smartphones.
However, it is important to acknowledge that social media can also have positive benefits for young people, as reported by a recent report by the National Library of Medicine. It can help them connect with others who share their interests, access important information, and express themselves creatively. For marginalized groups, social media can provide a supportive community and promote mental health.
To address concerns about digital device usage, parents should follow recommended screen time guidelines. This can help ensure children’s well-being and promote healthy digital habits while also recognizing the positive aspects of social media.
Image by Pressfoto, from Freepik
NHS Cyber Security Governance Update
- Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
- Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor
The National Health Service (NHS) England, in collaboration with the National Data Guardian (NDG), has announced today a new cyber resilience framework for health and social care organisations. This framework aims to align NHS cyber security standards with those across other sectors.
This change, part of the Department of Health and Social Care’s 2023-2030 cyber security strategy , aims to bring health and care in line with cyber resilience standards used in other sectors.
Starting 2 September 2024, the NHS Data Security and Protection Toolkit will begin transitioning from the NDG’s 10 data security standards to the National Cyber Security Centre’s Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF) as its core assessment framework.
The initial phase will affect a select group of large organisations, with others following gradually. The CAF-aligned DSPT is set to focus on achieving outcomes rather than simply passing security controls, allowing organizations to tailor their approach to their specific needs, as reported on the original statement.
This change comes in response to several high-profile cyberattacks that have disrupted NHS services.
One notable incident occurred in June 2024 when pathology provider Synnovis was hit by a cyberattack . The attack resulted in the postponement of thousands of patient appointments and operations across south east London as the company worked to rebuild its IT systems.
In March 2024, NHS Dumfries and Galloway fell victim to a ransomware attack . The attackers stole three terabytes of patient data and published it on the dark web. This incident prompted the health board to warn nearly 150,000 patients that their personal information may have been compromised.
In August 2024, another cyber incident affected a sub-contractor of a third-party supplier to several NHS Scotland boards. The attack resulted in the compromise of mobile numbers belonging to NHS staff .
These attacks highlight the increasing vulnerability of healthcare organizations to cyber threats. As the reliance on digital systems grows, it is imperative for these organizations to invest in robust cybersecurity measures to protect patient data and ensure the continuity of essential services.
