What’s New in Espoo

Experts do not recommend any screen time for children under 2 years old.
Family video calls or looking at photos together can be exceptions.

For children aged 2–5 years, experts recommend a maximum of one hour of screen time per day.

Children can listen to music, stories and audiobooks without watching a screen.

For children aged 6–10 years, experts recommend a maximum of one hour of screen time per day.

For children aged 11–13 years, the recommendation is a maximum of two hours per day.

Occasionally children can use devices more. Watching movies together as a family or playing games with friends can be good shared activities from time to time.

Experts do not recommend a personal smartphone for 6–13-year-olds.

If parents want to buy a phone for a child in this age group, they should choose a phone with only limited features, such as calling and messaging.

Parents must ensure that the child uses the phone responsibly. A child does not need their own device to learn digital skills.

• Do not let your child use screens right before bedtime.
• Do not use digital devices to calm your child down.
• Follow age limits for apps, games and programmes. Children under 13 are not allowed to use social media services.
• Children should watch only age-appropriate content that supports their wellbeing.
  Do not let your child watch violent, sexual or substance-related content.
• Talk with your child about the content they see. Practise safe digital use together.
• Make sure that restrictions are installed on the child’s device. Ensure that your child cannot secretly use adults’ devices.
• Your own digital habits serve as an example. It is harmful for children if parents spend too much time on their screens.
• If you are worried about your child's digital device use, you can ask for help from maternity and child health clinics, school welfare services, social services or organisations.

• Read more in different languages:

• Screen time recommendations in English(external link, opens in a new window)
• Screen time recommendations in Ukrainian(external link, opens in a new window)
• Screen time recommendations in Russian(external link, opens in a new window)