With Sweden's recent guidelines advising that children under the age of two should avoid screentime altogether, many parents are left wondering how to reconcile this with their daily routines. You might be thinking, "No screentime at all? Impossible." Or "How do I handle the meltdowns if I cut out screens entirely?" This article aims to unpack these guidelines from a developmental perspective, helping you make informed decisions that align with your family's needs.

The first five years: A critical period of development

The first five years of a child’s life are foundational. During this time, the brain develops rapidly, forming millions of new neural connections every second. This period is not just about acquiring knowledge but also about laying down the pathways that will shape your child’s future learning, behaviour, and emotional wellbeing.

Screen-based activities, while engaging and sometimes educational, differ significantly from the kinds of interactions that promote optimal brain development in young children. For instance, when a child plays with a toy, they are engaging multiple senses - touching, seeing, hearing - and learning about cause and effect. This kind of multisensory play is crucial for developing cognitive and motor skills.

Why might Sweden recommend no screentime?

Sweden's recommendation for zero screentime for children under two is grounded in a growing body of research that points to potential concerns around early screen exposure. Some of the key reasons behind this guideline are:

Brain development and sensory input:

• Early childhood is a time when the brain is particularly sensitive to the environment. Experiences that involve real-world interaction - like playing with blocks or interacting with a caregiver - stimulate brain development in ways that screens simply cannot match.

• Screens often provide highly stimulating visual and auditory input but may lack the depth of interaction found in real-life experiences. This can potentially affect the development of attention spans, sensory processing, and even social skills.

Language acquisition:

• Children learn language not just by hearing words but through rich, interactive conversations with caregivers. These back-and-forth exchanges help build vocabulary, comprehension, and social communication skills.

• Screen-based content, even if educational, is typically one-way communication. Without the give-and-take of a real conversation, the opportunities for language learning are limited.

Attachment and emotional development:

• Young children rely heavily on their caregivers for emotional regulation and the development of secure attachment. Physical touch, eye contact, and responsive caregiving are key components in building a child’s sense of security and trust.

• Excessive screentime, particularly if it replaces caregiver-child interaction, can disrupt this bonding process, potentially impacting a child’s emotional development.

Balancing Modern Parenting Realities

But of course, the modern parenting landscape is complex. Many parents rely on screens for various reasons - whether it’s a brief distraction to get through a task or a way to connect with family members who live far away. The intent behind these guidelines is not to guilt or shame parents but to provide information that can help families make informed choices.

If screentime is a part of your routine, consider these tips to balance it with your child’s developmental needs:

• Prioritise interactive play: Focus on creating opportunities for play that involve physical movement, creativity, and social interaction. Simple activities like building with blocks, reading books together, or even a game of peek-a-boo can be incredibly enriching for your child’s development.

• Use screentime mindfully: If you do choose to introduce screentime, consider doing so in a way that promotes interaction. For example, watching a short educational video together and then discussing it can turn a passive activity into an active learning experience.

• Create screen-free zones: Designating certain times or areas of your home as screen-free can help ensure that screentime doesn’t overshadow other important activities like play, conversation, and sleep.

Sweden’s recommendation to avoid screentime for children under two reflects a deep understanding of early childhood development. While the guideline may seem strict, it’s rooted in a desire to support the healthiest possible start for children. However, every family is unique, and it’s essential to find a balance that works for you.

If you’re feeling uncertain about how to navigate screentime in your home, or if you’re looking for more tailored advice on supporting your child’s development, Peas and a Pod is here to help. We offer personalised guidance that takes into account your family’s needs, helping you make choices that foster connection, growth, and joy in these critical early years.