The government of Spain has come up with a different approach to tackle smartphone addiction.
A suggestion was given that smartphones should also come with such warnings.
These warnings could also appear when accessing certain apps or platforms, promoting mindful consumption.
Smartphone addiction is a serious problem and a lot of people are dealing with it. Governments across the globe are trying to figure out a way to deal with this widespread issue. The government of Spain has come up with a different approach to tackle smartphone addiction. Spain has proposed that just like cigarette boxes come with a mandatory health warning, smartphones should come with it too.
After a 250-page report was shared by the government-appointed expert panel, a suggestion was given that smartphones should also come with such warnings to raise awareness about the risks of excessive screen time and encourage healthier usage habits.
It suggests that smartphone makers should add warnings for digital services, alerting users to dangers like overuse and exposure to harmful content.
These warnings could also appear when accessing certain apps or platforms, promoting mindful consumption. When it comes to children, the panel had more strict recommendations. It advocates banning digital devices for those under three and significantly restricting use for ages three to six, allowing exceptions only in specific cases.
The government in Spain wants teenagers under 16 to use “dumbphones” with limited features, while social media use is discouraged for children under 12. Further, the panel asked schools to prioritise traditional teaching methods for younger students and limit digital tools to strike a better balance between technology and traditional education.
The report even asked to address technology-related mental health issues such as addiction and anxiety. It recommends integrating digital addiction screenings into routine medical checkups to ensure early intervention.
Spain is not the first country to advocate such measures. Recently Australia also banned social media for children under 16 years of age. Do you think such measures are necessary? Should India implement them too?
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Mustafa Khan
Mustafa is new on the block and is a tech geek who is currently working with Digit as a News Writer. He tests the new gadgets that come on board and writes for the news desk. He has found his way with words and you can count on him when in need of tech advice. No judgement. He is based out of Delhi, he’s your person for good photos, good food recommendations, and to know about anything GenZ. View Full Profile
