Spain steps up its fight against early smartphone and social media addiction among teenagers. In the municipality of Las Rozas, located in the Madrid autonomous community, authorities and parents have joined forces to introduce new restrictions on children’s use of mobile devices. This move comes in response to growing concerns about the impact of digital technology on young people’s mental health and social skills.
Since last October, Las Rozas has implemented a program aimed at delaying the first smartphone until age 14 and banning social media registration until age 16. According to El Confidencial, the initiative quickly gained support: in the first few days, more than 520 families joined. Parents note that the collective agreement eases the pressure, as their children no longer feel isolated for not having a device.
Public support
All schools and lyceums in the municipality have joined the project, regardless of their type. Mobile phones are now completely banned in primary classes, and in secondary schools, devices are confiscated during lessons and returned only afterward. For parents, a pressing question arose: how can children contact them in an emergency? To resolve this, local authorities organized a network of ‘safe spots’—19 shops and cafes along school routes where children can use a phone if needed.
Some educational institutions in Las Rozas are introducing additional measures. For example, at one lyceum, students hand in their smartphones in special magnetic cases that can only be opened by a teacher. This requires extra supervision from teachers, but according to the administration, it helps teenagers develop healthy technology habits. In certain cases, phones may be used under supervision, such as during physical education classes to measure heart rate.
Initial results
Gradually, schools are reporting positive changes: more and more primary school students are coming without smartphones. Just a few years ago, this seemed impossible. The situation remains most challenging among high school students, especially in the third and fourth years of secondary school, where peer pressure and the desire to stay ‘connected’ are particularly strong.
According to El Confidencial, parents admit that their main fear is that their child will be the only one without a phone. However, collective participation in the program reduces this risk and helps establish new behavioral norms. Authorities emphasize that these measures are not restrictions for the sake of restriction, but an effort to protect children from the negative effects of excessive gadget use.
Psychological risks
A recent study conducted in Madrid with the participation of Rey Juan Carlos and Pontificia de Comillas universities found a direct link between active use of social networks and rising anxiety among teenagers. Girls aged 17 proved to be particularly vulnerable, experiencing stress if they did not receive quick replies in messaging apps. Among boys, the peak of anxiety was observed at ages 15-16, with more than half of respondents admitting feeling uncomfortable when instant feedback was lacking.
Analysts note that TikTok has become the most popular platform among Spanish teenagers aged 13 to 16. Its algorithms contribute to the formation of compulsive behavior, a constant need for likes and approval, leading to increased anxiety and even depression. Parents are increasingly facing challenges with their children’s emotional regulation, as well as difficulties in developing empathy and communication skills.
Context and trends
In recent years, Europe has tightened control over minors’ access to digital platforms. France has already imposed restrictions on social network use for those under 15, and in Spain, a bill is under discussion to prohibit registering on social media before the age of 16. In countries like Greece, comprehensive digital literacy and parental control programs are being rolled out. According to El Confidencial, such initiatives are becoming ever more in demand as the number of cases of internet addiction and related psychological issues among young people continues to grow.
In Spain, the issue of protecting children from the negative impact of technology is being discussed at the national level. In 2026, the government announced plans to tighten regulations on social media access for teenagers. Several regions are already running pilot projects to limit smartphone use in schools. Overall, the trend toward stricter control over the digital environment for minors is gaining momentum, and the experience of Las Rozas could serve as an example for other municipalities in the country.
