Finnish Parents Growing More Cautious About Smartphones
An increasing number of parents in Finland are approaching the issue of giving smartphones to their children with caution. According to a survey conducted by Yle, the country’s national public broadcaster, the majority of parents prefer not to provide phones to children just starting primary school.
Mobile operators Elisa and DNA have also observed a notable shift in parental behaviour over the past year. A recent study by DNA found that only 36 percent of seven-year-olds now own a smartphone, compared to over 70 percent the previous year.
Experts attribute this shift to growing awareness of the digital impact on child development. Dr Silja Martikainen, a developmental psychology expert at the University of Helsinki, notes that excessive screen time reduces physical activity, undermines academic performance, and negatively affects mental health.
The Finnish Parliament recently passed legislation banning the use of mobile phones in schools. In response, mobile providers are now advising parents not to purchase smartphones for children under the age of nine.
However, experts warn that bans alone are not sufficient. Dr Martikainen emphasises that the root of the issue lies in the communication gap between adults and children. She suggests that parents who take an active interest in their children's digital experiences are better positioned to detect and respond to potential problems early on.
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