Screen addiction spreads to pets and teens in Sweden

A recent Novus survey of Swedish households found that pets, especially dogs owned by Generation‑Z adults, are spending increasing amounts of time in front of screens, mirroring the growing screen‑time habits of their owners. The study highlighted that many pets are exposed to platforms such as TikTok and YouTube, reducing traditional play activities.

In a separate report, a Swedish parent described how their 13‑year‑old daughter has become obsessed with TikTok, abandoning basketball and other hobbies to spend hours creating, editing, and commenting on videos. Experts from the child‑support organization Bris emphasized the need for balanced digital use and open family dialogue.

Both pieces illustrate a broader concern in Sweden about screen‑time addiction extending beyond humans to animals, raising questions about the social and health impacts of pervasive digital media.