Current in Oulu’s Early Childhood Education
Read current matters and news regarding Oulu’s early childhood education on this page.
National recommendations for free-time use of digital devices for children between ages 0–13
Finnish National Agency for Education and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare have published new recommendations for free-time use of digital devices for children between ages 0–13. The goal of the recommendations is to support the well-being of children, to prevent the harm of excessive screentime, and to offer parents clear instructions for digital education.
Essential recommendations
For children under 2, screentime is not recommended
For children between 2–5, maximum of 1 hour of screentime daily
For children between 6–10, maximum of 1 hour; and for children between 1–13, maximum of 2 hours daily
Adults should restrict screentime if needed and ensure developmentally suitable content
Children under 13 are not recommended to have a personal smart home
Children under 13 should not use social media services
The recommendations concern free-time use, not schoolwork or early childhood education learning content.
Digital Peace
Adults are responsible for securing Digital Peace – an environment where a child can grow, play, move, and interact without being overburdened by digital devices.
Further materials for families
The city of Oulu offers families Recommendations for Digital Everyday Life, which support parents to educate their children in digitalized everyday life. Materials are found online: Recommendations for Digital Everyday Life – City of Oulu (in Finnish).
Read more about the recommendations on the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare’s website: Recommendations for free-time use of digital devices for children between ages 0–13.
Half Day Outdoors model keeps Oulu’s children moving
The city of Oulu’s early childhood education has adopted an operational model that encourages daycare centres to organize activities outdoors, and to increase exercise and trips.
Read more about the Half Day Outdoors model on My Oulu (in Finnish)