Control Z platform proposes zero screen use for children under six

The Control Z platform, comprising 30 entities and 15 medical and psychological societies, has presented a ten-point scientific recommendation to combat digital overdose among children and adolescents. Supported by Ecologistas en Acción and the Escuela Saludable organization, the initiative introduces the ZETA Digital Strategy for educational centers.

The proposal advocates for schools to be smartphone-free zones to protect student attention. Key recommendations include zero screen time for children under six years old, less than one hour of daily supervised use for those aged 7 to 12, and less than two hours for those aged 13 to 16.

Experts, including neurologists, pediatricians, and psychologists, warn that intensive screen exposure during critical stages of neurological maturation can impair attention, emotional regulation, and sleep patterns. Mar España, director of Control Z and former director of the Spanish Data Protection Agency, emphasized that the educational system must address these effects and called for a state pact to ensure child neurodevelopment is not subject to political shifts.