Brazil and Spain health agencies warn of rising child screen addiction

Health authorities in Brazil and Spain have issued alerts about the risks of excessive screen use among children and adolescents. Brazil's Secretaria de Saúde advised families to set limits on screen time, citing concerns over anxiety, sleep disturbances, and impaired social development. Spanish experts similarly called for delaying the first smartphone for minors, emphasizing that early exposure can replace essential play and learning activities.

The issue is echoed across Latin America and Europe, with reports from Portugal suggesting extreme digital overload can lead to mental‑exhaustion, and a Chilean commentary highlighting the need to reconnect families beyond technology. A French analysis described broader tech addiction, noting its impact on mental health, while an Ecuadorian piece detailed symptoms of digital anxiety in youth. In South Africa, professionals warned that constant online presence in remote work environments can increase anxiety and burnout, underscoring the wider societal pressure to stay digitally connected.

Collectively, the articles call for greater awareness, practical guidelines, and policy measures to protect mental well‑being, especially for children whose developing brains are most vulnerable to the effects of prolonged screen exposure.