 "Spain's government has already proposed measures to protect minors, including mandatory parental controls on smartphones and raising the minimum age for social media accounts from 14 to 16 years. Image Credit: Pexels.")
Smartphones sold in Spain should carry health warnings akin to those on cigarette packaging, a panel of experts has advised the Spanish government. Their report calls for stricter regulations to limit children’s exposure to digital devices, citing growing concerns about the impact of technology on public health.
The recommendations come as Spain considers a draft law aimed at safeguarding minors from excessive screen time and inappropriate online content.
Aimed at protecting children
The 50-member committee has proposed that children under three should have no exposure to digital devices, while those under six should only use them sparingly. For children aged six to 12, the panel recommends prioritising “dumb phones,” which lack internet access, and encouraging offline activities like sports. The report also suggests limiting exposure to smartphones and social media until children are at least 13.
These recommendations align with global concerns about children’s exposure to technology. For instance, France recently proposed banning smartphone use for children under 13 and limiting access to social media until age 18. In Spain, statistics show that one in four children has a mobile phone by age 10, with the number rising to nearly half by age 11.
Health impacts and addiction concerns
The experts are calling for warning labels on smartphones sold in Spain, alerting consumers to potential health risks linked to digital devices. They also suggest similar pop-up warnings on apps, highlighting usage limits and health claims. The report urges the government to recognise smartphone addiction as a public health issue, which would pave the way for preventive measures and early detection.
The recommendations include incorporating questions about screen time and technology use into medical checkups for all ages. For adolescents, regular screening for depression, anxiety, and excessive device use is advised. The panel was initially convened to address children’s access to online pornography, which Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described as an “epidemic,” but their scope broadened to tackle broader digital usage concerns.
Wider legislative and educational efforts
Spain’s socialist-led government has already proposed measures to protect minors, including mandatory parental controls on smartphones and raising the minimum age for social media accounts from 14 to 16. Teachers and healthcare staff are also set to receive training to identify and address potential smartphone addiction in children. The report recommends educational campaigns and family training programmes to guide parents on managing children’s online activities safely.
As Spain refines its draft legislation, the expert report underscores the urgency of addressing children’s digital habits amid rising concerns about technology’s impact on health and well-being.