92% of kids in Spain are already rocking a mobile phone – and it’s causing a whole new headache for child mental health!
Specialists Agree: Too Much Tech is Bad for Kids
In a groundbreaking move, experts in Spain have come together to warn about the negative impact of excessive technology use on the mental health of children. What was once just a hunch is now backed by solid scientific evidence.
“We’re not anti-tech, but we believe in a balanced and age-appropriate approach for each individual,” says Mar España, head of the Control Z platform, focused on tackling problematic screen time.
Delaying Tech Access Benefits Mental Health
Research involving 28,000 young people worldwide reveals a clear trend: the age at which kids get their first mobile phone can predict their future mental well-being. Those who received phones at a young age, like six, are more likely to show psychological distress symptoms later on, compared to those who got their first phone at 18.
Despite these findings, the reality in Spain tells a different story: almost all children under 12 have their own phones, with many already active on social media by the age of 10.
The Perils of Algorithms
The impact of technology on mental health is becoming quantifiable. Hospitalizations for suicidal behaviors in minors have skyrocketed in the past decade, with social media algorithms playing a role in promoting harmful content. Virtual communities can also be breeding grounds for self-destructive behavior among young people.
“The real danger to teens isn’t from adults, but from their peers who may inadvertently worsen their struggles,” cautions Villar.
Legal and Ethical Implications
“Laws are in place to prevent the addictive nature of social networks,” says Mar España, citing EU regulations. Despite this, platforms continue to prioritize user retention, especially among minors. The clash between privacy and profit is a central theme in discussions around tech ethics.
Some regions in Spain have taken action by banning phones in schools, while other European countries have raised the minimum age for social media access to 16.
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