Smartphone addiction has quietly become one of the most pervasive challenges of modern life, changing the way we connect, work and relax. Yet, this constant connection comes at a cost – affecting sleep, mental health, and even personal relationships, especially among teens and young adults. Calling smartphone addiction a “public health epidemic,” Spain has proposed a bold step: requiring all smartphones sold in the country to carry health warnings similar to those on cigarette packs. The move aims to raise awareness of the risks of excessive screen time and encourage conscious use.

The proposal is part of a 250-page report shared by a committee of experts appointed by the Spanish government.

According to the report, the panel advocates for mandatory health warnings on digital services, alerting users to risks such as excessive use and harmful context. According to the proposal, these warnings would work in a similar manner to the warnings on cigarette packets, although they would be less severe. The warnings will be a clear reminder of the potential dangers of smartphone addiction. The report also recommends displaying warning messages on the screen when accessing certain apps or platforms with the aim of encouraging more conscious use.

Additionally, the report calls for a complete ban on the use of digital devices for children under the age of three and heavily restricting their use for children aged three to six, with exceptions only in specific circumstances. Has also been recommended. For teens up to 16, the report suggests promoting the use of “dumbphones” with limited functionality, while advising against using social media altogether for children under 12.

The report also criticizes the use of educational apps with “instant gratification” features, citing their potential negative effects on learning. It urges schools to remove such apps and instead emphasize analog teaching methods for younger students. Experts recommend reducing the use of digital tools in elementary education to ensure a healthy balance between technology and traditional teaching approaches.

On the health front, the report highlights the need to address technology-related mental health concerns, such as addiction and anxiety, as urgent public health issues. It suggests integrating screening for excessive digital use into routine medical checkups to identify and address these problems early.

This proposal by the Spanish government comes after the social media ban announced by Australia for children under 16 years of age. The new law mandates strict age verification procedures on social media platforms to prevent children under 16 from accessing major sites or creating accounts. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat. The law, passed in Parliament last week, is set to take effect in early 2025, giving social media companies and parents plenty of time to prepare for the change.

These proposals underline the growing need for a comprehensive approach to managing digital consumption, balancing the benefits of technology with its impact on mental health, education and overall well-being.