New Guidelines for Parents in Norway: It's About Children and Phones

The recommendations were made public after the completion of external consultations, which began on June 5, 2025. The Health Directorate received over 3,500 opinions. The new guidelines are the first of their kind published by the Norwegian government. The document is based on research and the experiences of children, adolescents, and parents.

The recommendations specify the maximum daily leisure time for using multimedia devices. Children under 2 years old should completely avoid screens. For the 2–5 age group, the limit is 0.5 to 1 hour per day. For children aged 6–12, the recommended time is 1 to 1.5 hours per day.

For teenagers aged 13–18, the recommended time is 1.5 to 3 hours per day. In every age group, it is emphasized that less time is better. The recommendations apply only to leisure time and do not include school obligations. Officials noted that devices should not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or disrupt social routines.

A new aspect is a separate recommendation regarding Internet access. Children under the age of 12 should not use the Internet without adult supervision. The recommendation applies to devices such as smartphones and tablets. Authorities highlight the content available online.

The guidelines also emphasize rules for daily screen use. Devices should not be used during meals, breastfeeding, or bottle feeding. Devices should not be left on in the background. It is recommended to avoid screens for one hour before bedtime.

Mobile devices should not be kept by a child's bed. Screens should not be used as a way to comfort or distract from difficult emotions. These recommendations remained unchanged after consultations. The Health Directorate maintained their current wording.