Digital tools are a natural part of children's daily lives, but how do we ensure that screen use is safe and health-promoting? In this article, we provide you with a research-based guide to safe screen use, based on pediatric guidelines and recommendations from Norwegian health authorities.
What is safe screen use?
Safe screen use is not just about how much time children spend in front of screens, but also about what they do, how they use digital tools, and who they interact with. A holistic approach to digital safety includes physical health, mental well-being, privacy, and content quality.
Pediatric guidelines: What does the research say?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and similar organizations in Norway have developed comprehensive guidelines based on decades of research on children's screen use. The main findings are clear:
Children under 18 months
Recommendation: Avoid screen time completely, except for video calls with family and friends. Toddlers learn best through physical exploration and face-to-face interaction.
18–24 months
Recommendation: If screen use is introduced, choose high-quality educational content and use it together with the child. Children at this age need help understanding what they see.
2–5 years
Recommendation: Maximum 1 hour of quality screen time per day. Parents should be actively present, discuss the content, and help children transfer learning to the real world. Avoid screen use 1 hour before bedtime.
6 years and older
Recommendation: Set consistent limits on screen time and which media are used. Ensure that screen use doesn't come at the expense of sleep, physical activity, social development, and family time.
Norwegian health authorities' recommendations
The Norwegian Directorate of Health and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health have developed Norwegian guidelines that emphasize the following principles:
- Balance: Screen time must be balanced against physical activity, sleep, and social interaction. Children should be physically active for at least 60 minutes daily.
- Quality over quantity: What the child does on the screen is more important than how long. Educational apps that stimulate creativity and problem-solving are far better than passive video consumption.
- Parents as role models: Children copy parents' screen habits. If parents constantly look at their phones, children will do the same.
- Screen-free zones: Keep meals, bedrooms, and family gatherings free from screens to strengthen relationships and rest.
- Media literacy: Teach children to think critically about digital content, advertising, and information quality.
Physical health and screen use
Research shows clear connections between excessive screen time and health challenges:
Sleep problems
Blue light from screens suppresses the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. Studies show that children who use screens right before bedtime get poorer sleep quality, sleep shorter, and have more difficulty waking up. Recommendation: No screens in the last hour before bedtime.
Vision and eye health
Prolonged close focusing on screens can contribute to nearsightedness (myopia), especially in children. Ophthalmologists recommend the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something at least 20 feet (6 meters) away.
Musculoskeletal problems
Poor posture during screen use can lead to neck and back pain, even in children. Ensure proper sitting position, appropriate screen height, and regular movement breaks.
Obesity and inactivity
Screen time often replaces physical activity. Studies show a clear connection between excessive screen time and increased risk of obesity in children. Prioritize daily physical play and movement.
Mental health and digital well-being
Research on the connection between screen time and mental health provides a nuanced picture:
- Social media and self-image: For older children and teenagers, exposure to idealized images and comparison with others can negatively affect self-confidence. Be aware of what the child sees and engage in conversations about body ideals and self-worth.
- FOMO (Fear of Missing Out): Constant availability can create stress and the feeling of never catching up. Teach children that it's okay to be offline.
- Reward systems and addiction: Many apps and games use reward mechanisms (loot boxes, streaks, notifications) designed to maximize engagement. This can create addiction-like behavior. Choose apps without manipulative elements.
- Bullying and harassment: Digital bullying is a growing problem. Have open conversations about online culture, be aware of changes in the child's behavior, and establish trustful communication channels.
Privacy and data insecurity
Many children's apps collect extensive data about usage patterns, location, and behavior. The Norwegian Children's Ombudsman and the Data Protection Authority have repeatedly warned against:
- Data collection without consent: Some apps collect personal information from children without parents' knowledge.
- Third-party sharing: Data can be sold to advertisers or analytics companies.
- Unsafe online communities: Chat functions and social elements in apps can expose children to unwanted contact from strangers.
- Inappropriate advertising: Children are exposed to age-inappropriate marketing.
Appguiden's privacy requirements
All apps on Appguiden are evaluated for privacy. We prioritize apps that don't collect unnecessary data, don't share information with third parties, and have clear privacy policies. Apps with high privacy risk receive significantly lower scores.
Practical guide: How to ensure safe screen use
1. Set clear family rules
- Create a screen time plan: When is screen time OK, and when not?
- Define screen-free zones: Bedrooms, dining table, in the car
- Establish bedtime routines: No screens in the last hour
- Make rules together with the child – it increases ownership and compliance
2. Choose quality apps
- Use curated guides like Appguiden to find safe, educational apps
- Read privacy policies and app reviews before downloading
- Test apps yourself before giving them to the child
- Prioritize ad-free apps or one-time paid apps over free apps with ads
- Check age ratings and content descriptions
3. Be actively present
- Use apps together with the child, especially for younger children
- Ask questions about what they see and do: "What did you learn?" "What was fun?"
- Help the child connect digital experiences to reality
- Show interest in the child's digital life in the same way as their physical activities
4. Use technical tools
- Enable parental controls on devices and in app stores
- Use screen time tools built into iOS and Android
- Disable in-app purchases
- Limit permissions: GPS, camera, microphone should only be enabled when necessary
- Use child profiles on streaming services
5. Teach children media literacy
- Explain how advertising works and why some apps are free
- Teach children to recognize manipulative design elements (notifications, timers, rewards)
- Discuss source criticism: Not everything online is true
- Talk about privacy: What is okay to share, and what's not?
- Teach children to report inappropriate content or contact
6. Be a good role model
- Children copy adults' screen habits – be aware of your own
- Put away the phone during meals and family gatherings
- Show that you also take breaks from the screen
- Demonstrate healthy screen use: Learn something new, read articles, be critical
When should you worry?
Be aware of these warning signs of unhealthy screen habits:
- The child becomes extremely frustrated, angry, or aggressive when the screen is taken away
- Screen time comes at the expense of sleep (less than 9–11 hours for children 6–13 years)
- The child isolates themselves socially and prefers screen over play with friends
- Concentration problems or decline in school performance
- Physical complaints: Headaches, neck pain, vision problems
- The child lies about or hides screen use
- Changes in mood: Increased irritability, anxiety, or sadness
If you recognize several of these signs, it may be wise to consult a doctor, health center, or educational-psychological service for guidance.
Summary: Principles for safe screen use
- 1.Quality: Choose educational apps without ads and manipulative elements
- 2.Balance: Screen time must be weighed against physical activity, sleep, and social interaction
- 3.Presence: Be actively present in the child's digital life
- 4.Boundaries: Set clear, consistent rules for when, where, and what
- 5.Privacy: Protect the child's data and teach them digital rights
- 6.Role model: Model the behavior you want to see
Safe screen use is not about prohibiting or fearing technology, but about using it consciously and responsibly. With proper guidance, good tools, and quality content, digital media can be a positive part of children's development and learning.
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