Digital media and its impact on children and adolescents – Nordic and EU expert meeting

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Several Nordic countries have launched recommendations for digital media and screen use among children. At the same time, the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA) has come into force – but has it had the intended effect? ​​Here you can find a summary from the expert meeting that took place on 3 June 2025.

Summary from the expert meeting

The conference on Digital Media and Health among children and adolescents centered on the impacts of digital media on children and youth, sharing research findings, and exploring regulatory measures and recommendations to ensure a safe and balanced use of digital media for children.

Key Points

Introduction and Urgency

• The Finnish and Swedish ministers emphasized the urgent need to address the health effects of digital media on children and adolescents.
• Concerns were raised about excessive screen time, its impact on mental health, and the need for collective action to safeguard the well-being of young people.

Health Effects and Research Findings:

• Research presented highlighted the negative impacts of high screen time, including poor sleep, depressive symptoms, and negative body image and difficulties concentrating..
• Digital media use was linked to mental health problems, with a significant number of young people reporting excessive use and symptoms of addiction.
• The commercial determinants of digital health were highlighted and compared with other industries with harmful effects on health. Suggested calls on action included: Stop framing problems as a matter of ‘misuse’ by “irresponsible” users – when they are designed-in features. Stop harmful partnerships with those who are creating the harm. Stop the harms at source: if a product is not safe, why is it even being marketing to users?

Regulations and Recommendations:

• Most of the Nordic countries have developed national recommendations for screen use, focusing on balancing digital media use with other activities essential for children’s health and development.
• Similaritis in the recommendations include no screen time for children under two, no screen use before bedtime, and during the night, and the importance of age-appropriate content and age limits.
• Countries are in different phases of their drafting and implementation of recommendations. Differences are also found in age-brackets and what arenas are included. For example, in Norway the school arena is included.
• The Digital Services Act (DSA) was discussed as a regulatory framework to ensure the safety and privacy of minors online, with ongoing investigations into compliance by major platforms.

Global Perspectives and UNICEF Report:

• UNICEF presented findings from a new report, emphasizing that exposure to harmful content and abusive experiences online is more strongly associated with harmfull effects on children's mental health, rather than screen time alone.
• Recommendations were made for tech companies to improve safety measures and for governments to hold these companies accountable.

Panel Discussions and Expert Insights:

• Experts discussed the reluctance of tech companies in following ethical guidelines and the need for a cultural shift within these organizations to prioritize child safety.
• Sweden shared insights on implementation via mediators from the school – and healthcare system.
• Denmark emphasized the need to use perspectives such as childrens rights as a basis for action, when research is lacking.
• The potential conflict between children's democratic rights and the need for protection was explored, with a call for a balanced approach that respects both.
• The importance of building in “safety-by design” and the need for tools and regulations of what a good game or a good social media platform would look like was highlighted.

Conclusion and Call to Action:

• The conference concluded with a call for continued collaboration among governments, tech companies, and civil society to create a safer digital environment for children.
• Attendees were encouraged to access the conference materials and stay engaged in the ongoing efforts to address the challenges posed by digital media.

Summary presentations and panel discussions

The Nordic and EU expert meeting on Digital Media and Health among children and adolescents underscored the critical need to address the health impacts of digital media on young people. With insights from leading researchers, policymakers, and industry experts, the conference highlighted the importance of evidence-based recommendations, regulatory measures like the Digital Services Act, and international cooperation to ensure the safety and well-being of children in the digital age. Key takeaways include the need for balanced screen use, the responsability of tech companies in promoting child safety, and the importance of a collective, multi-stakeholder approach to tackle the challenges ahead.

Round table discussions for on site participants

The conference on Digital Media and Health among children and adolescents brought together experts from 22 European countries to discuss the impacts of digital media on children and youth, share research findings, and explore regulatory measures and recommendations to ensure a safe and balanced use ofdigital media for children. The round table discussions following the presentations and panel discussion highlighted a lot of interesting issues. The day provided a good basis for further discussion, collaboration and knowledge sharing. In order to improve the possibilites of a safe and balanced use of screens among children and adolescents, it is clear that efforts are needed on all societal levels, and that cooperation across both sectors and countries is essential. Below is a summary of what was discussed by the different roundtable-groups.

Strengthening the Implementation of the DSA – What is Needed in Order to Make it Work in the Best Interest of Children?

• Legal Basis and Enforcement: Regulatory authorities need a legal basis for enforcement actions under the Digital Services Act (DSA). The process is complex and requires careful navigation to ensure it effectively protects minors.
• Research Access: The DSA includes provisions for granting trusted researchers access to datasets from large platforms to facilitate research beneficial to children's rights. However, the process is currently vague and awaiting further legal clarification.
• Challenges and Optimism: Implementing the DSA has been challenging. Authorities remain optimistic but acknowledge the lengthy and judicially complicated process ahead in enforcing the protection of minors.

Strengthening International Collaboration Around Recommendations and Guidelines Aimed at the Public

• Knowledge Sharing and Behaviour Change: Discussions emphasized the importance of sharing knowledge and changing behaviours and norms to benefit children. This involves a combination of measures, including legislation, education, training of professionals, and communication. Nudging and using transition phases as windows of opportunity was emphasized.
• International Cooperation: Challenges include integrating efforts across borders and engaging stakeholders from different countries, not least when it comes to follow up. International cooperation is essential to address issues that transcend national boundaries.
• Systemic Change: There is a need for systemic-level agreements and professional communication initiatives to drive change. Collaboration and coordination are crucial for effective continued collaboration and implementation.

Strengthening a Whole-of-Society and Multi-Sectoral Policy Approach to Protect, Empower, and Support Children

• Language and Incentives: Careful consideration of language is necessary to avoid manipulation by commercial stakeholders. Incentives for behaviour change need to target not just individuals but also industry norms and policies.
• Policy and Regulation: Effective policy and regulation can drive changes in industry as well as societal norms. There is a need for robust regulation and clear communication about the benefits and harms of digitalization.
• Multi-Level Strategies: Support and awareness need to be built at multiple levels of society, from young people and parents to policymakers. Strategies should be multi-targeted and use available tools to enforce policies.
• Community and School Responsibilities: Schools and communities play a significant role in implementing recommendations and guidelines. Teachers and families need to be equipped with knowledge and resources to support children's mental health and well-being.
• Leadership and Policy Impact: Brave leadership is required to implement policies that can shift norms, for example mobile-free policies in schools. Recent data shows that such policies can have positive effects on students' well-being and behaviour.

Would you like the power point presentations from the meeting?

Email Maria Ståbi Thesen, maria.stabi.thesen@folkhalsomyndigheten.se

Read more

• Speakers and panelists at the expert meeting
• Read more about screen use and health on the Public Health Agency of Sweden’s webpage: Digitala medier och hälsa (in Swedish)