September 18, 2026
The use of digital media has become an important and highly beneficial tool in classroom instruction and homework, fostering independent creativity and problem-solving skills. Denmark is among the most digitized nations in this regard. On average 15-year-old students spend just over four hours of screen time daily on schoolwork or homework, yielding positive results[1].
However, children also use digital media for other purposes during their free time, averaging slightly more than three hours of screen time per day. After more than twenty years of experience with internet-connected digital media, at least two types of potential harm to children—beyond deliberate abuse or exploitation by criminals—have been identified. The first type involves diminished well-being or actual mental health issues, often stemming from the negative influence of social media. The second type involves reduced concentration and impaired learning, primarily resulting from the interaction with the digital environment itself. These problems appear particularly pronounced in connection with platforms featuring ultra-short video clips, such as TikTok[2].
Based on a series of studies[3], the Danish Health Authority has issued recommendations (as early as 2024[4]) and laid the groundwork for upcoming legislation in the Danish Parliament, which is expected to take effect at the turn of the year 2026/2027. Similar legislation is already in force in other countries and is expected to be adopted soon by the European Commission and the European Parliament, applying across the entire EU[5].
To prevent psychological harm and/or impaired concentration ability in children aged 5–15, the following guidelines regarding the use of digital media for leisure activities should be observed:
- Social media, gaming platforms, chatbots, and similar services are prohibited for a child under the age of 15.
- Smartphones must be kept turned off during school hours.
- Screen time beyond what is necessary for classroom instruction, homework, or similar activities should not exceed an average of 1–2 hours per day—ideally less, particularly for younger children.
- Watching television appears to be less harmful than using smartphones and other multimedia devices.
Furthermore, it is recommended that:
- The use of digital media be avoided during certain activities, such as meals.
- Digital devices be turned off at least one hour before bedtime and not turned on again until the following morning.
- Parents be aware of their child’s digital activities.
- Parents set a good example for their children regarding the use of digital media.
- For children who split their time between multiple households, clear agreements regarding screen time and related matters be established.
In general, restrictions on a child’s use of digital media should always be accompanied by constructive conversations explaining the purpose of these restrictions. It is also highly beneficial if parents within a school class can agree on certain ground rules that everyone commits to following. Finally, the school should be involved in discussions regarding the use of digital media, both in the context of instruction and within the school environment more broadly.
Dr. John-Erik Stig Hansen, M.D., D.M.Sc.
References
[1] https://www.dst.dk/Site/Dst/SingleFiles/GetArchiveFile.aspx?fi=9014217091002&fo=0&ext=formid
[2] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165178123001889, https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/article-abstract/2845518
[3] https://www.sst.dk/media/odkpners/skaermbrug-og-koncentration-blandt-boern-og-unge.pdf
[4] https://www.sst.dk/vidensbase/forebyggelse/anbefalinger-om-brug-af-skaerm, https://www.sundhed.dk/borger/patienthaandbogen/boern/om-boern/boerns-udvikling/boern-og-skaerme/
[5] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/faqs/kids-act-explained