It has been recommended by experts to the Spanish government that smartphones sold in Spain should have a label warning about potential health effects, and doctors should inquire about screen time during medical examinations, as stated in the book.
As Spain progresses with legislation to restrict children’s tech exposure, a 50-member expert panel has decided to limit minors’ tech exposure by age 13 to address what it deems a public health issue. We urge individuals to restrict their digital device usage until the year’s end.
The 250-page report by experts is reported by El Pais newspaper. It suggests that children under three should not use any digital devices, and children aged 6 to 12 should prioritize the use of basic phones without internet access and engage in offline activities like sports.
The report advises the government to consider placing warning labels on digital devices sold in Spain to emphasize the health risks associated with social media and digital devices, as well as the potential health consequences of accessing inappropriate content. It calls for consumer awareness of certain impacts on children’s development.
Similar warnings should appear on-screen when accessing specific apps or platforms, outlining purported health risks and recommended maximum usage times, according to the report.
Governments are urged by the report to classify mobile phone addiction as a public health concern to enable the development of prevention strategies and early detection systems.
Health consultations for all age groups should include questions about screen time and behavioral issues, while health examinations for adolescents should regularly screen for depression, anxiety, and technology use.
In response to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s remarks about an “epidemic” of online pornography consumption among children, the commission was formed earlier this year.
However, the report takes a broader perspective on the issue, examining not only children’s access to pornography but also their overall use of digital devices. This intervention comes amid a global debate on children’s tech exposure, with schools worldwide cracking down on mobile phone use in classrooms.
In June, statistics in Spain suggested that a quarter of children own a mobile phone by age 10, and nearly half have one by age 11. The Socialist Party-led coalition government initiated legislation to protect minors, recommending default parental controls on smartphones and launching a national educational campaign to improve children and teens’ social media access.
The proposed bill also introduces new data requirements that would raise the minimum age for opening a social media account from 14 to 16 and enable teachers and medical professionals to identify potential smartphone addiction in children through training.
The bill is currently in the public consultation phase, and input from groups like the European Digital Transition Association, pediatricians, and psychiatrists will further refine it.
The report also emphasizes the broader environment’s role in reducing children’s exposure to tech and offers guidance for families, with experts available to answer questions about safe online behavior and limiting access. It highlights the importance of training programs and suggests schools remove educational apps based on instant gratification.
Source: www.theguardian.com
