In recent years, concerns have arisen about the excessive use of digital devices by children and young people and their exposure to harmful content. Expanding research evidence on the harms of the use of digital devices to overall well-being has accumulated.
In winter 2026, the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) and the Finnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI) published recommendations for the recreational use of digital devices for 0–13-year-olds. Work on recommendations for young people's recreational use of digital devices has also begun together with young people and experts.
The aim of the recommendations is to promote the well-being, safety and learning of children and young people and to prevent harm caused by the use of digital devices and content. The recommendations support a balanced life for children and young people.
The recommendations describe the age guidelines, the recommended use of the devices, and the characteristics of harmful and useful content.
"The digital recommendations for children are intended for parents and other adults involved in children's lives to support them in considering their children's use of digital devices. The recommendations contain a lot of essential information to support a good childhood," says Chief Specialist Päivi Lindberg.
National recommendations for the recreational use of digital devices for 0–13-year-olds
Recommendations in brief
- Adults are responsible for children's use of digital devices.
- Adults should limit the use of digital devices if necessary to ensure that the child's everyday life is functional and balanced.
- It is important to discuss the content used with the children and learn them together.
- A child needs daily face-to-face interaction, play, reading, exercise, outdoor activities, regular meals and enough sleep.
- There are age-specific recommendations for the use of devices, such as children under the age of 13 are not recommended to have their own smartphones, and 2–10-year-olds are recommended to spend no more than one hour a day on screens and 11–13-year-olds no more than two hours a day.
- The content used on a digital device must be suitable for the child and support development.
The recommendations apply to children's free time, not to homework or school-related tasks, for example.
"Children's digital well-being and safety require the presence, example and guidance of an adult. It is important to talk to the child and familiarise themselves with digital content together. The recommendations support families in finding a balance between the use of digital devices, rest, exercise and social interaction that promotes their child's well-being in their everyday lives," says Team Leader Saara Rapeli.
The recommendations for children under the age of 13 are available in Finnish, English, Swedish, Russian, Ukrainian, Arabic and Somali.
National recommendations for the recreational use of digital devices for ages 0–13 (Julkari)
Work on recommendations for young people's recreational use of digital devices has begun
Digital recommendations for young people are drawn up for 13–18-year-olds, i.e. from secondary school age to adulthood.
Like the digital recommendations for children, the recommendations for young people's the recreational use of digital devices are made in close cooperation between the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, the Finnish National Agency for Education, young people and professionals from different fields and organisations. Research data, existing recommendations and international recommendations are also widely utilised in the preparation of the recommendations.
The aim is to promote the well-being, safety, mental health and learning of young people in a way that pays attention to both the challenges and opportunities related to digitalisation.
"Digital devices and content are an integral part of young people's lives. They are important for maintaining social relationships, seeking and receiving information, entertainment, and also learning. At the same time, the need for information, instructions and recommendations has been identified. The key question is how we can sustainably strengthen the well-being and safety of young people in digital environments," says Lindberg.
The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare and the Finnish National Agency for Education have invited experts who are familiar with the matter and interested in it to join the cooperation network. In particular, state, regional and local government authorities, researchers, organisations and companies have been invited to participate. A network will be formed from those who have registered, which will prepare the national recommendations. The network will start working together on 5.6.
At first, young people's views will be collected in a youth development group, which has been assembled by invitation from young people of different ages and backgrounds with the help of organisations and other actors. The youth development group is involved from the beginning of the process to the publication of the recommendations.
In autumn 2026, a public consultation round will be held on the recommendations and young and older people will be heard.
The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare and the Finnish National Agency for Education will publish digital recommendations for young people's the recreational use of devices in early 2027.
Frequently asked questions about digital recommendations
Excessive use of digital devices can impair a child's brain development, concentration and learning, impair physical health and motor skills, and disrupt sleep. It can reduce social interaction and have a detrimental effect on emotional development. Spending too much time in front of screens can also increase mental health challenges and expose one to addiction. In addition, screen time easily displaces exercise, play, reading and family time.
Devices and content suitable for the child can be used, but their use should be limited in time and guided to support the child's well-being. This way, the daily time spent with digital devices and content remains reasonable.
It is a good idea to agree on the use of the equipment together so that different perspectives are taken into account. The discussion is affected by the age of the children. It is important that children can feel that the rules are fair and reasonable. It is a good idea to agree on rules for the use of digital devices together that are suitable for each family, which decide, for example, when the phone and devices are used or not used, and where the phone and device are stored during the night.
It is good to remember that the parents' own use of digital devices serves as an example for children. When discussing the use of devices together, it is also a good idea to include the parents' own use of devices in the discussion.
Sleep researchers in particular have pointed out that the use of screens should be stopped at least an hour before bedtime. Various light, sound and movement stimuli keep the brain active and interfere with sleep.
Children under the age of 2 need the presence and closeness of an adult, exploring the environment, moving, playing and reading in order to develop. Children develop and learn things in interaction with others, and face-to-face interaction is especially important for language development. The development of the human brain and development in general is fastest during the first years, digital devices do not benefit the development of a small child.
Studies show that the use of digital devices increases with the purchase of one's own device. Excessive use of digital devices, on the other hand, has adverse effects on, for example, brain development and concentration. Delays in the purchase of devices can avoid the adverse effects of applications included in smartphones. Finding a balance is essential, as excessive gaming or social media enjoyment, for example, can displace other areas of life.
On the other hand, protective factors – such as reliable relationships, sufficient sleep and exercise – reduce harm and support well-being.
It is a good idea to postpone the purchase of a child's own phone until there is a real need for the phone in the child's everyday life. The child's guardian decides whether the child needs the phone and is responsible for its responsible deployment. A smartphone is not recommended for children aged 6–13. If you want to get a phone for a 6–13-year-old, it is recommended to have a phone with only limited features, such as the ability to make calls and send messages.
A child does not need their own device to practice digital skills. Various programmes can be watched and used on the family's shared devices, and digital skills can be taught on the school's own devices.
If the child already has their own smartphone, they can keep it, but then you should pay attention to its use, content and screen time. You should focus on how your child uses the device and set appropriate limits for their use. Your child must not access or be exposed to content or apps that contain content that is harmful to their development. Social media services are also not allowed to be used by children under the age of 13.
If the family has the opportunity to change the smartphone to a phone that is more suitable for the child's age, it can be replaced.
Social media platforms are based on algorithms that are adjusted to maximize the time a user spends on the platform. This exposes one to problematic and potentially addictive use of social media, which can have negative effects on well-being, mental health and time management.
In addition to the addictive nature of social media, children may encounter inappropriate content and actors on platforms, such as inappropriate advertising, grooming, hateful and violent content, or criminal activity. In children and adolescents, self-regulation and critical media literacy are still developing. The younger the child, the less opportunities they have to assess the threats of social media or protect themselves from harmful activities and content.
Many social media services have also set an age limit of 13 years in their terms of use. The age limits of social media services must be followed, and parents must not allow their children to use the services in violation of the terms of use.
It is worth worrying when the use of digital devices clearly begins to hinder the child's well-being, everyday life or relationships. It is usually not a matter of a single day or hour, but of repeated changes in the child's behaviour.
For example, sleep time is shortened or sleep patterns are disrupted, schoolwork or a daycare day goes poorly, and there is less eating, exercise or rest. The behaviour may show irritability, restlessness or strong emotional outbursts, especially when leaving the screen. In addition, there may be withdrawal, melancholy or anxiety. The child seems tired or overwhelmed. It may also occur that the use of devices continues in secret or that agreed rules are repeatedly violated.
If you as a parent need support or are concerned about your child's well-being, you can get help from the maternity and child health clinic, the school's student welfare services, social services and organisations.
The recommendations are intended for all primary school children and younger. Smartphones or the use of social media are not recommended for primary school children. In practice, some primary school pupils have already turned 13 at the end of primary school, and some are still 12 years old. It is important that children in the same school class have similar rules. This aims at fair treatment, avoids peer pressure and makes it easier for families to agree on common principles.
National recommendations for the recreational use of digital devices for ages 0–13 (Julkari)
The purpose of the national recommendations is to promote children’s wellbeing, safety and learning and prevent the negative impacts resulting from the use of digital devices and exposure to harmful digital content. The recommendations support a balanced life for children.
Work on digital recommendations for young people's recreational use of digital devices begins together with youth and experts (in Finnish)
The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) and the Finnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI) invite experts and young people to participate in developing digital recommendations for young people's recreational use of digital devices.
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.
Social media and digital everyday life – Children, young people and families in the midst of change (in Finnish, Parliament)
Publication of the Parliamentary Committee for the Future 4/2025.