Spain to tighten digital safeguards for children as anxiety rises

Spain is advancing an organic law aimed at protecting minors in digital environments. The draft would raise the age at which a child can consent to the use of personal data from 14 to 16, and create a regulator with authority to certify apps for safety. Platforms that fail to meet standards on addictive design or harmful content could be barred from access by users under 16.

Psychologists warn that excessive use of social media and instant messaging is fueling chronic anxiety among children. Dr. Javier Urra notes that constant algorithmic pressure erodes patience and increases stress, potentially leading to depression if left unchecked. He recommends outdoor activities, family time and unstructured summer breaks as therapeutic measures that break the “tyranny of the clock.”

Tech companies such as Google and Steam are adding parental‑control features, including daily screen‑time limits and family‑library restrictions, but experts stress that technology alone cannot replace active adult supervision and digital‑literacy education.