Norwegian families advised to curb screen time and prioritize shared dinner

Child development experts in Norway recommend that parents set clear limits on children's use of smartphones, tablets and other screens. Guidance includes creating screen‑free zones such as bedrooms and dining tables, using built‑in parental‑control tools, and ensuring that digital activity does not interfere with sleep, homework or outdoor play. The advice is aimed at safeguarding sleep quality, concentration and physical activity.

Separate research also stresses the importance of regular family meals. Psychologists and therapists note that eating together provides a stable setting for conversation, strengthens family bonds and can lower youths' risk of substance abuse and other problems. Studies cited include a large U.S. survey linking frequent family dinners with reduced risk of drug use, as well as Norwegian research highlighting the role of shared meals in establishing routine and emotional security for children. Experts suggest simple rules—such as device‑free dinner tables and involving children in meal preparation—to make the habit sustainable.