As the new academic year continues, more and more states are banning—or thinking about banning—cell phones at school. But elsewhere in the world, these regulations are going a step further…by banning screen time altogether.

Okay, it’s not quite that extreme, but it is partly true; Sweden’s public health agency last month shared regulations recommending that babies and toddlers under the age of two not be exposed to digital screens of any kind, including televisions, smart phones, or tablets. The news comes on the heels of a study done in the Scandinavian country which reported negative side effects for kids associated with screen usage, including poor sleep, depression, and a lack of physical activity.

As we know by now, American studies have made similar conclusions, citing a correlation between screen time and sensory disorders in young kids. Too much time on devices has also been shown to cause mood changes, brain changes, and even obesity.

Still, the U.S. doesn’t recommend a complete ban on screens for infants and babies. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests limiting screen time for babies 18 months and younger to only Facetiming with family members. Even regularly having a TV on in the background has been linked to lower language and social-emotional skills in little kids, according to the AAP. I’ll admit this part makes me a little nervous since my 4-month-old has probably watched more second-hand television than average thanks to her first-grader big brother, but I digress.

Just like in the U.S., the Swedish guidelines get more lax with age. Their suggestions are as follows:

• A maximum of one hour of screen time a day for 2-5 year olds

• A maximum of  two hours of screen time a day for 6-12 year olds

• A maximum of three hours of screen time a day for 13-18 year olds

Parents on this (English) Reddit thread make some valid points about this polarizing headline. “The thing is that no parent I know of a child under 2 lets their kid have screen time for the direct benefit of that child,” one insightful Redditor says. “It’s for the parent themselves.” Exactly…because sometimes the most efficient way to shower or get dinner on the table is with the child occupied (or fine, entranced) by the TV.

Another parent on the same Reddit thread admits screen time “is a helpful tool in limited quantities,” and that the quality of what they’re watching should be considered too. “There’s a huge difference between watching Bluey or nature documentaries…vs. opening the stream of garbage on YouTube.” Amen to that.

So, moms and dads of America, what can we conclude from our Swedish peers? That screen time should not replace good ol’ toys and outdoor play or define your kid’s childhood. But, as with most things in life, there’s nothing wrong with screens in moderation, even for our families’ youngest members. Still, every family no matter what country they live in has to make a decision about screen time that works for their household. You do you (and the Swedes will do Swedes, I suppose).

PS: Check out more tips in our Screen Time Survival Guide for Back to School.

What are your thoughts on this Swedish study? Is two years old too young for screens?

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