Finland Sets Stricter Digital Limits for Children, Advises No Smartphones or Social Media Under 13

Finland has introduced new national digital guidelines that place tighter restrictions on children’s use of smartphones, social media and screens during their free time.

Under the recommendations, children under the age of 13 are advised not to have personal smartphones and to avoid all social media use. For children under two, the guidance calls for no screen time at all.

The guidelines have been jointly prepared by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare and the National Agency for Education. They focus specifically on leisure time and do not apply to homework or other school-related digital activities.

Authorities say the aim is to support children’s wellbeing, development and mental health by encouraging more age-appropriate, offline activities and reducing excessive screen exposure at an early age.