Recommendations for children on the use of digital devices completed – personal smartphones not recommended for children under the age of 13
The national recommendations for children on the use of digital devices were specified after their circulation for comments in the autumn. The completed recommendations include a tightening of the recommended age limit for getting a smartphone, which is now 13 years.
The recommendations in brief:
- A smartphone of their own is not recommended for children aged under 13.
- No screen time is recommended for children aged under 2.
- A maximum of one hour of screen time per day is recommended for children aged 2–5 years.
- A maximum of one hour of screen time per day is recommended for children aged 6–10 and a maximum of two hours for children aged 11–13. If necessary, adults should restrict the screen time.
- The content used on the digital device must be suitable for the child and support development. For example, this means that the age limits for digital games, television programmes and films must be observed, and the child must not be exposed to harmful content.
- Children under the age of 13 must not use social media services.
The recommendations apply to the age limits for the use of digital devices by children aged 0–13, the recommended use of the devices, and the characteristics of harmful and useful content. The recommendations concern children’s free time, and not homework or tasks related to school, for example.
The recommendations support children’s wellbeing – adopting them should be promoted widely
“It is the adults’ responsibility to ensure digital peace and a safe childhood for children. The recommendations help and support parents. The preparation of a report on banning social media for children under the age of 15 is under way under the leadership of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo. In addition to the recommendations, more stringent regulation is needed to ensure that children can grow up in peace,” says Sanni Grahn-Laasonen, Minister of Social Security.
The main aim of the recommendations is to promote the comprehensive wellbeing and learning of children. They also help to prevent harmful effects caused by the use of digital devices and the contents.
“The recommendations were drawn up in close cooperation with parties such as non-profit organisations and I am now challenging the physical activity, sports and youth sector to join the implementation of the recommendations. I hope that the recommendations will also inspire families to discuss how they can turn the screen time of children, young people and adults into time engaged in physical activity, sports, outdoor recreation and play,” says Mika Poutala, Minister of Youth, Sport and Physical Activity,
Wide-ranging participation by wellbeing services counties, municipalities and the rest of society is required to promote the digital wellbeing of families and children.
“In early childhood education and care and in comprehensive school education, children learn wellbeing and security skills that will help them operate in digital environments. The organisers of early childhood education and care and the providers of comprehensive education can also work with homes to implement the digital recommendation,” says Anders Adlercreutz, Minister of Education.
Parents commented actively on the draft recommendation
A wide range of comments were received on the draft recommendation published in October 2025. At the same time, thoughts and opinions on the recommendations were also collected from children.
The huge number of comments received from parents and children and the participation of parties that submitted comments are applauded by Mika Salminen, Director General of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, and Minna Kelhä, Director General of the Finnish National Agency for Education. More than 6,000 comments were received in the survey on the wellbeing and services of families with children opened in October 2025.
Research data, existing recommendations, international recommendations and expertise from different fields were also used extensively in the preparation of the recommendations. A network of 160 experts was involved in the preparation, including specialists from public authorities, research organisations, wellbeing services counties, education and training providers, non-profit organisations and companies.
The work continues during 2026 and recommendations will also be drawn up for young people aged 13–18. A report on restricting the use of social media by under 15-year-olds is also due to be completed soon under the leadership of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.
Further information
National recommendations for the recreational use of digital devices for ages 0–13 (Julkari)
Digital Well-being and Safety of Children and Youth (In Finnish)
Päivi Lindberg
Chief Specialist
THL
tel. +358 29 524 7648
[email protected]
Laura Francke
Head of unit, Lawyer
Finnish National Agency for Education
tel. +358 29 5331303
[email protected]
