European Governments Tackle Screen Time: A New Era for Children’s Health

In a concerted effort to address the growing concerns over screen time and its impact on children’s health, several European countries have implemented or are considering stringent regulations to limit the use of smartphones and other digital devices among youngsters.

France Leads the Way

France has been at the forefront of this movement. In 2018, the French government passed a law banning the use of smartphones and internet-connected devices in schools for children aged 3 to 15. This law, part of President Emmanuel Macron’s manifesto, aims to mitigate the phenomenon of screen addiction and encourage students to engage in classroom activities, physical exercises, and face-to-face interactions. The law allows exceptions for students with special needs and for pedagogical use[1].

In January 2024, President Macron commissioned a report by a panel of experts in addiction, education, neurology, law, psychology, epidemiology, and digital technology. The report recommended no screen exposure for children under 3 years, highly limited access between 3 to 6 years, and the use of non-internet-enabled phones for children aged 11. Smartphones with no social media access were suggested for children aged 13, while social media apps like Instagram were recommended only after the age of 18. The report also emphasized the need for default parental controls and a social media privacy law to protect children’s rights[1].

The UK's Balanced Approach

In the United Kingdom, the approach is more nuanced. Since 2021, there have been calls to ban smartphones in schools, but the idea of a blanket ban has not gained widespread support. Instead, professionals advocate for a collaborative approach with rules in place, such as approved times and areas for smartphone use. Schools are encouraged to structure policies that help students use their phones constructively. While some schools have implemented complete bans, others allow limited use, reflecting a mixed policy landscape. The UK government has issued guidance to promote consistency and reset social norms around phone use in schools. A proposed 'Safer Phones Bill' by Labor MP Josh MacAlister aims to make schools 'mobile-free zones' and raise the age for tech companies to obtain consent for children's data from 13 to 16 years[1].

Spain's Comprehensive Strategy

Spain has also labeled smartphone addiction as a public health concern. With nearly a quarter of 10-year-olds and almost half of 11-year-olds owning mobile phones, the Spanish government has formed a 50-member committee of experts to address this issue. The committee recommends that doctors be trained to identify phone addiction in minors and that children under 3 years have no exposure to digital technologies, with limited exposure up to the age of 6. Children between 6 and 12 are advised to use 'dumb phones' for communication. The report also suggests adding health warnings to digital technologies sold in Spain, similar to those on tobacco products, and implementing mandatory parental controls and a national campaign to educate children about the health risks of technology. The proposed legislation includes raising the minimum age for social media accounts from 14 to 16 and introducing 'digital restraining orders' to prevent online harassment[1].

Parental Influence and Healthy Habits

Studies have shown that parental screen habits significantly influence children's exposure to inappropriate content. A recent study published in BMC Pediatrics found that higher parental screen use is linked to children consuming more mature content, such as R-rated movies and mature-rated video games. The study emphasizes the importance of setting clear family media rules and practicing what parents preach to create a healthy digital environment[2].

In line with these findings, organizations like ScreenStrong advocate for limiting screen time and ensuring that the content consumed is beneficial. They recommend that children under 18 months should only use screens for video chatting with an adult, while children aged 2-5 should limit non-educational screen time to about 1 hour per weekday. For older children, encouraging healthy habits and limiting screen activities during family meals and outings are crucial[3].

As expats in Spain, it is essential to be aware of these regulations and recommendations to ensure that your children are protected from the potential harms of excessive screen time. By adopting these guidelines and being mindful of your own screen habits, you can help foster healthier digital practices for the next generation.