Spain Implements Radical Measures to Limit Children’s Exposure to Digital Devices

In a significant move to address the growing concerns over the impact of digital devices on children’s health and wellbeing, the Spanish government has endorsed a comprehensive report recommending stringent limits on the use of smartphones and other digital devices among minors.

Zero Screen Time for Under-Threes and Limited Use for Young Children

The report, compiled by a panel of 50 experts including educators, pediatricians, child psychologists, and data protection specialists, advises a complete ban on digital devices for children under the age of three. For children between three and six years old, screen time should be extremely limited and only allowed in exceptional cases, such as maintaining social or family contact or as determined by judicial decision[2][3][4].

"Dumb Phones" for Children Aged 6-16

For children aged six to 12, the report suggests the use of "dumb phones" that are limited to making calls and sending messages without internet access. For teenagers between 12 and 16, similar restrictions are proposed, with a strong emphasis on avoiding social media access and using parental control tools to monitor both time and content[2][3][4].

Health Warnings and Regulatory Measures

The Spanish government is considering introducing health warning labels on smartphones and certain apps, similar to those found on cigarette packets. These warnings will highlight potential risks such as overuse, exposure to harmful content, and mental health challenges associated with social media use. Tech companies will be required to include these labels and configure their products with default high-safety settings to protect minors[2][3][4].

Educational and Family Initiatives

Schools are also under scrutiny, with recommendations to overhaul educational apps and reduce the use of digital tools in early education. The report criticizes apps that promote instant gratification rather than long-term learning, such as Innovamat, which is used in over 1,200 Spanish schools. Parents are urged to prioritize physical activities and experiential learning for children aged six to 12, and family training programs are proposed to teach parents how to manage their children’s tech habits effectively[1][2][3].

Public Health Concerns and Legislative Actions

The report labels tech-related addictions as a serious public health issue, prompting calls for routine checks for device-related behavioral problems during medical appointments and expanded mental health services to tackle anxiety and depression linked to technology use. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has described the widespread consumption of online pornography by children as an "authentic epidemic," further emphasizing the need for these measures[2][4].

National Campaigns and Training Programs

The proposed legislation includes a national campaign to educate children about social media, mandatory parental controls on smartphones, and raising the minimum age for social media accounts from 14 to 16. Teachers and healthcare workers will be trained to identify signs of smartphone addiction, and family training programs will be implemented to help parents manage their children’s tech use[2][3][4].

This initiative reflects Spain’s commitment to balancing the benefits of technology with the need to protect public health, particularly among its youngest citizens. As the country moves forward with these measures, it sets a precedent for other nations grappling with similar issues in the digital age.