Canary Islands Children Face Growing Concerns Over Screen Time Addiction

Recent findings reveal alarming trends regarding screen time among children in Spain, particularly in the Canary Islands. As digital devices become increasingly integrated into daily life, the implications for young users are becoming a pressing issue for parents, educators, and mental health professionals alike.

Escalating Screen Time Among Young People

The National Health Survey of 2023 indicates that nearly 50% of Spanish children aged 10 to 14 are spending over two hours daily on screens. This extensive usage is primarily attributed to mobile phones, video games, and social media, rather than educational purposes. In the Canary Islands, this trend has raised significant concerns, leading to a notable increase in consultations regarding digital dependency among young individuals. The pervasive nature of technology in children’s lives is reshaping their daily routines and interactions, prompting a reevaluation of how screen time is managed.

Identifying Symptoms of Digital Dependency

Tamara Cabrera, a representative from the Official College of Psychologists of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, highlights that many children exhibit symptoms akin to addiction. These include anxiety, stress, and a dependency on mobile devices, particularly when they do not receive immediate feedback from social media interactions. Such behaviors are becoming increasingly common among children, raising alarms among mental health professionals. The psychological toll of being constantly connected is evident, as children grapple with the pressures of online engagement.

Excessive screen exposure is also affecting cognitive development. Cabrera notes that children are bombarded with rapid stimuli, which hampers their ability to focus and engage in prolonged tasks. This has led to observable difficulties in concentration, memory retention, and overall learning capabilities. The constant availability of instant gratification through screens is creating unrealistic expectations for children, which can hinder their academic and social growth. As children become accustomed to quick rewards from digital interactions, they may struggle to find satisfaction in traditional learning environments.

Emotional and Social Ramifications of Screen Overuse

The emotional ramifications of excessive screen time are profound. Cabrera points out that compulsive use of devices often results in increased anxiety and stress levels, as well as dependency behaviors. Many children display irritability when separated from their phones and frequently check social media, leading to social withdrawal. This trend is particularly concerning as it is being identified at younger ages than in previous years, with children increasingly preferring to isolate themselves rather than engage in social activities. The shift from face-to-face interactions to digital communication can lead to a decline in essential social skills.

Families often underestimate the negative effects of excessive screen time. Cabrera emphasizes that the normalization of giving children mobile phones for entertainment purposes can have serious consequences. She advocates for a shift in parental behavior, suggesting that adults should model healthier screen habits. Delaying the introduction of mobile phones until children are at least 10 or 11 years old is recommended, alongside encouraging traditional play and creative activities. By fostering an environment that prioritizes real-world interactions and imaginative play, parents can help mitigate the adverse effects of screen dependency.

Educational Concerns in a Digital Age

Concerns extend to the educational landscape, where Cabrera criticizes the trend of substituting traditional books with digital devices in schools. She argues that this shift is not yielding equally effective educational outcomes and calls for a renewed focus on traditional reading and writing skills. The situation in the Canary Islands is particularly precarious, as the region experiences higher rates of child poverty compared to the national average. In 2022, over 3,600 children in Gran Canaria sought mental health support, highlighting the urgent need to address the potential exacerbation of these issues due to screen overuse.

Cabrera concludes by stressing the importance of understanding the impact of screens on a generation raised in a digital environment. The full extent of these effects is yet to be comprehensively assessed, but the implications for children’s development and well-being are clear. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial for stakeholders—parents, educators, and policymakers—to collaborate in creating a balanced approach to technology use among children.

Key points

• Nearly half of Spanish children aged 10 to 14 spend over two hours daily on screens.
• Excessive screen time is linked to symptoms resembling addiction, including anxiety and stress.
• Children face challenges in cognitive development due to constant rapid stimuli from screens.
• Emotional effects include increased irritability and social withdrawal.
• Parents are encouraged to model healthier screen habits and delay mobile phone access for younger children.
• Schools are criticized for replacing traditional books with digital devices.
• The Canary Islands have higher child poverty rates, complicating the impact of screen overuse.