friendly Sweden is impossible in Broken Britain
- UK parents, especially lone mothers, struggle with inadequate support and resources for raising children.
- Children in the UK average six hours of screen time daily, contrasting with Swedish recommendations for limited screen exposure.
- The lack of support and high poverty rates in the UK contribute to mental health issues among children.
In the UK, many parents, particularly lone mothers, face significant challenges in raising children without adequate support. The lack of family assistance, affordable childcare, and community resources has led to increased reliance on screens for entertainment, with UK children averaging six hours of screen time daily. This situation contrasts sharply with Sweden, where children benefit from extensive parental support, including paid maternity leave and high-quality childcare. Swedish pediatricians recommend no screen time for toddlers under two and limited screen exposure for older children, emphasizing the importance of family interaction. The disparity in resources and societal support contributes to the struggles faced by parents in the UK, where 4.3 million children live in poverty, exacerbating mental health issues and behavioral problems. The article highlights the need for systemic changes to support families and improve children's well-being in the UK.