Forssmed on young people's media habits: "Must take action"

Sedentary behaviour on the increase, children and young people sleeping poorly, increased mental ill-health are consequences of digital and social media. This emerges in a new report from the Public Health Agency.

» Updated:

» Published:

Forssmed on young people's media habits: "Must take action"
Photo: Magnus Lejhall/TT

Share this article

Sedentary behaviour on the rise, children and young people sleeping poorly, increased mental ill-health are consequences of digital and social media. This emerges in a new report from the Public Health Authority.

Now we have it in black and white that the concern about the potentially harmful health effects is not moral panic but a real issue. We must acknowledge that what we have just let happen must be taken seriously, says Minister for Health and Social Affairs Jakob Forssmed (KD).

The Public Health Authority's comprehensive knowledge review of children's use of digital media was presented on Monday. Among other things, children and young people have shared their experiences. They feel that they get stuck in using digital media at the expense of sleep, relationships, and physical activity. Children with ADHD diagnoses are more easily negatively affected.

I want to give a pat on the back to try to do what one can to ensure that children sleep properly, move more, but also an understanding that this is difficult. These are powerful products we are dealing with, and it is not easy to limit this.

It was last year that the Public Health Authority was commissioned to compile knowledge about the connections between digital media use and health effects in children and young people, as well as to develop guidance and recommendations.

The recommendations are to be presented in September and the guidance in December.

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

Algal Bloom Crisis Worsens at British Isles' Largest Lake Lough Neagh

Algal Bloom Crisis Worsens at British Isles' Largest Lake Lough Neagh

Man in His 70s Dies in Drowning Accident at Motala Beach

Man in His 70s Dies in Drowning Accident at Motala Beach

Government Plans to Add Chickenpox Vaccine to Child Vaccination Program

Government Plans to Add Chickenpox Vaccine to Child Vaccination Program

Two Convicted Men Escape Borås Detention Center

Two Convicted Men Escape Borås Detention Center

Stolen Swedish Data from Miljödata Leaked on Darknet, Expert Warns

Stolen Swedish Data from Miljödata Leaked on Darknet, Expert Warns

How to Avoid Salmonella: Tips for Safe Egg and Food Handling

How to Avoid Salmonella: Tips for Safe Egg and Food Handling

Södermalm Explosion Deemed a Misfire by Police

Södermalm Explosion Deemed a Misfire by Police

Hackers Threaten to Release Personal Data After Miljödata Breach

Hackers Threaten to Release Personal Data After Miljödata Breach

Gotland Braces for Heavy Rain as SMHI Issues Yellow Warning

Gotland Braces for Heavy Rain as SMHI Issues Yellow Warning

Swedish Potato Farmers Face PFAS Dilemma Amid Consumer Demands

Swedish Potato Farmers Face PFAS Dilemma Amid Consumer Demands

Head-on Collision on E4 in Huskvarna Sends Five to Hospital

Head-on Collision on E4 in Huskvarna Sends Five to Hospital

Kristersson Criticizes Stegrud's Actions in Stockholm Incident

Kristersson Criticizes Stegrud's Actions in Stockholm Incident

Kristersson Invites Center Party to Join Growth Pact

Kristersson Invites Center Party to Join Growth Pact

Swedish Citizens Extradited from Dubai Arrested for Serious Crimes

Swedish Citizens Extradited from Dubai Arrested for Serious Crimes

SMHI Issues New Rain Warning for Flood-Hit Västernorrland

SMHI Issues New Rain Warning for Flood-Hit Västernorrland

Man Arrested for Murder of Elderly Man in Skurup

Man Arrested for Murder of Elderly Man in Skurup

Ebba Busch Calls for Stricter Measures Against Disruptive Demonstrators

Ebba Busch Calls for Stricter Measures Against Disruptive Demonstrators

Red-Green Coalition Uncertain Despite Opposition Lead in Polls

Red-Green Coalition Uncertain Despite Opposition Lead in Polls

Ebba Busch on Potential Exclusion of Liberals from Future Government

Ebba Busch on Potential Exclusion of Liberals from Future Government

Explosion Reported at Södermalm Apartment Building

Explosion Reported at Södermalm Apartment Building