"Finally, the Public Health Agency of Sweden's recommendations for children's screen time are here! Research shows that screen time inhibits children's motor development. At the same time, we have known for a long time that motor development and a broad range of movement are the key to a physically active lifestyle throughout life, which in turn leads to better health. If you feel physically competent, you dare to try new activities, which reduces the risk of becoming sedentary."
Beatrix Algurén is an associate professor of sports science at the Department of Nutrition and Sports Science at the University of Gothenburg and a member of the Make a Move Movement Council. She welcomes the new recommendations from the Public Health Agency of Sweden and sees opportunities for children to have more space for play and movement.
"Physical activity, play and movement not only promote physical health but also the development of social and cognitive skills and contribute to well-being. Physical activity is often considered a panacea, and children have a natural drive to move. Unfortunately, naturally active daily life has been outpaced by easily accessible screen time, with children missing out on the opportunity to challenge their motor skills and practice risk assessment through play.
The recommendations are a step towards curbing one of the great thieves of our time from active leisure and will provide more space for play and movement. Play and movement are also the focus of Make a Move - the region's cross-sectoral initiative for a movement-rich society. Preschool teachers receive training and coaching on physical literacy, leading to a permissive approach that encourages more movement among preschool children. The social and physical environment are both important factors that influence children's desire and enjoyment of being active, which contributes to the development of all-round movement skills and long-term motivation for a physically active lifestyle.
Let's keep working together towards an active society, with less screen time and better well-being at all ages!"
Further reading for those interested in factors affecting children's motor development from Algurén B et al. can be found here.
