Important information regarding the age limit of 13 years

Why does the organizer sometimes adopt an age limit of 13 years?

Age limits have been introduced by several organizers after 2005 when the Public Health Authority toughen the guideline values ​​for high levels of noise at events open to children. The general council of public health states that there should be lower noise levels in areas which children under the age of 13 have access. This is because childrens´ hearing are more sensitive than adults.

It is the organizer's obligation not to allow children on arrangements where the noise level will be too high. If an event organizer wants children under the age of 13 to be able to visit an event, they must adjust the sound level after that.

Why can´t I, as a parent, take responsibility for my child's hearing when we attend a concert?

Many wonder why, as a parent, you can´t take responsibility for the child's hearing at a concert, for example by equip the child with hearing protection. The purpose of the Public Health Authority's general advice is to protect the hearing of all children - whether they have parents who are aware of how to protect themselves against loud sounds or not. It is the organizer's responsibility that the audio environment and sound levels do not harm the visitor's hearing. This responsibility is under the law not on the customer or visitor. According to Environmental law, it is not possible for an organizer to transfer the responsibility to the visitor.

Do the guards have a right to refuse entry to the stadium if someone cannot prove their age?

Yes. The guards have a right to request valid ID if they suspect the person is under 13. They have a right to refuse entry to anyone who cannot prove their age.

How can I prove that I am 13 or older?

By showing a valid ID such as an ID card, driving licence or passport. You can also print a civil registration certificate from the website of the Swedish Tax Agency.

Why are there different guideline values ​​for children and adults?

Children are considered a particular risk group concerning getting hearing impairments. Children do not have as much knowledge as adults about how noise can affect them. This makes their behavior and lack of protection mechanisms a risk in themselves. In addition, children do not always choose their environment, which means that they may be staying in environments without knowing that they will be exposed to high levels of noise.
The target values ​​over 13 years of age are equivalent to 100 dBA (LAeq) and a maximum value (LAF MAX) of 115 dBA. For children under 13 years, equivalent noise levels of 97 dBA and a maximum value of 110 dBA apply.