Swedish authorities have issued a strong warning to parents: put down your smartphones when you are around your children.

Public health officials are concerned about the effect of adult screen time on young kids. They say parents glued to their phones are harming their children’s emotional development.

According to Swedish health experts, children need eye contact and real conversation to grow properly. When a parent is always looking at a screen, the child feels ignored. This can lead to behavioral problems and anxiety later in life. Even babies are affected when a parent constantly checks their phone.

The new recommendation is part of a larger campaign in Sweden to reduce screen dependency. The government has already limited phone use in schools. Now they are focusing on the home. They ask parents to create “phone-free zones” during meals, playtime, and bedtime. The goal is to help children feel seen and heard.

Swedish officials are not asking parents to give up phones completely. They understand phones are needed for work and emergencies. Instead, they want parents to be more mindful about when and where they use their devices. Leaving the phone in another room during family time can make a big difference.

The message from Sweden has started conversations around the world. Many parents admit they spend too much time on their phones. Child psychologists have welcomed the Swedish advice. For families everywhere, the reminder is clear: put down the phone and look at your child. Those little moments of attention shape a healthier future.