Smartphones with health labels could become a thing in Spain

Many of us have seen how smartphones transformed our lives, but for teens and kids, it’s a different story. They were pretty much born into a world where mobile tech is everywhere and haven’t known life without it. Now, with growing worries about how all this screen time is affecting younger generations, one country in the EU is considering ways to protect minors from the digital world’s downsides.According to a new report from Spain (subscription required), a government-appointed expert panel has suggested that smartphones sold in the country should come with health warning labels – something like cigarette warnings, but probably less dramatic. Similar alerts could also pop up on screens when certain apps or platforms are accessed.

The group’s findings, detailed in a 250-page report, outline what they call a “public health epidemic.” Their proposals range from banning digital devices for kids under three to restricting use for ages three to six, with exceptions for special circumstances. For teens under 16, the experts recommend the use of the so-called “dumbphones” and strongly advise against social media for children under 12 altogether.

Educational apps with “instant gratification” features also didn’t escape scrutiny. The report advises schools to ditch such tools and prioritize analog teaching methods for younger students. Digital devices, it argues, should have limited roles in early education.

From a health perspective, the panel emphasizes the need to address tech-related mental health issues like anxiety and addiction. They suggest incorporating screenings for digital overuse into routine doctor visits, aiming to elevate the issue as a public health priority. Overall, the recommendations propose a significant shift in how Spain manages kids’ exposure to technology.

Personally, I find some of these ideas pretty over-the-top. Let’s be real – getting kids to honestly state their age online? Good luck with that. And putting health warnings on smartphones? I’m not sure how effective that’s going to be.