NEW DELHI: Addiction of any kind is a serious problem whether it be to tobacco, alcohol, cigarettes or Smartphones. As smartphones have joined the list of addiction in health trajectory, Spain is considering mandatory health warnings on smartphones, akin to cigarette packet labels.
This step is to raise awareness about the risks of excessive screen time and digital addiction. The proposal stems from a 250-page report by an expert panel of 50 professionals, urging the government to address the public health implications of smartphone and digital device use.
The report outlines strict recommendations for children’s screen time, advocating zero exposure for children under three and only exceptional use for ages three to six. For children aged six to 12, the report suggests replacing smartphones with “dumbphones” limited to calls and offline activities such as sports.
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Meanwhile, it also encourages traditional teaching methods over digital tools in schools to balance technology use and education. The panel further emphasises the need for health warnings on smartphones and apps, cautioning against overuse, exposure to harmful content, and the mental health risks linked to social media.
It recommends integrating digital addiction screenings into routine medical checkups for adolescents, focusing on early detection of issues like anxiety and depression.
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This initiative aligns with global concerns about children’s exposure to technology. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez recently called the widespread access to online pornography by children an “authentic epidemic,” with alarming statistics showing that nearly half of children under 15 have accessed such content.
Spain’s proposed measures include mandatory parental controls on smartphones, a national campaign to educate children about social media, and raising the minimum age for social media accounts from 14 to 16.
Globally, countries like France and Australia are taking similar steps to curb smartphone and social media use among minors. As Spain finalizes its legislation, the proposals reflect growing efforts to balance technological benefits with the need to protect public health.