Digital screen use impacts child mental health and social equity

Recent studies highlight a growing digital divide and mental health concerns regarding children's screen use. In Spain, a report by FAD Juventud and Netflix reveals that socioeconomic status significantly influences digital supervision. Approximately 60% of high-income families limit their children's screen time, compared to only 41% of lower-income households. While 92% of families apply some form of supervision, a gap exists in active engagement; 51% of parents do not discuss internet risks with their children, and 61% do not monitor their online activities.

In Mexico, research indicates that excessive screen use is linked to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and sleep irregularities. Experts suggest that digital environments are not neutral, as business models based on data collection and attention capture can pose risks to child development. Furthermore, neuroscientists note that the brain is not designed to handle the dopamine surges caused by hyper-stimulation, which can block learning and increase cortisol levels.

In Spain, parental anxiety is also high, with 54% of parents citing a child not answering the phone as a primary stressor. A study of over 1,000 families found that 47% of parents have checked their child's location without informing them, reflecting a tension between the desire for child autonomy and the need for digital security.