Spain Moves to Regulate Screen Time for Minors Amid Growing Youth AI Use

The Spanish government has proposed new regulations limiting screen and social‑media use for children under 16, sparking heated criticism from opposition parties, teachers and media who accuse Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of authoritarianism. The move follows a pilot in the Community of Madrid that banned personal digital devices in public schools.

At the same time, a European study by EU Kids Online shows that 72 % of children and adolescents across 20 countries already use generative AI tools, with usage concentrated among 11‑ to 16‑year‑olds. In Spain, only about 47 % of young people report using AI, compared with higher rates in Austria. Respondents say AI helps with school tasks but also warn that over‑reliance could harm learning and academic performance. The combined issues of screen‑time regulation and AI adoption underline growing concerns about digital habits, education and the need for responsible oversight.