Catalonia has seen a worrying increase in the number of teenagers at risk of internet addiction. According to recent data published at the end of March, 23% of secondary school students in the region show signs of compulsive internet use. This figure means that nearly one in four adolescents faces a significant risk of developing a lasting dependency on digital devices. The issue is particularly relevant for Spanish society, as it concerns the health and future of an entire generation.
Experts point out that if the rates were as high for hard drug use, there would be a strong public outcry and immediate action at the state level. However, internet addiction often goes unnoticed because its consequences are not as obvious as those of traditional addictions. Still, numerous studies confirm that early and excessive use of digital technologies has a negative impact on the mental health and development of adolescents. The most common consequences include isolation, anxiety, lower academic motivation, and worsening emotional well-being.
The impact of devices
Psychologists and educators emphasize that the problem lies not only in children’s behavior, but also in the features of modern gadgets. Smartphones and tablets are designed with mechanisms that encourage habitual use. According to experts, it is the algorithms and app interfaces that lead teenagers to spend more and more time in front of screens. As El Pais reports, device manufacturers and the biggest internet platforms are interested in maximizing user engagement, which has a direct impact on their financial results.
In recent years, Spain has increasingly debated the responsibility of tech companies for the consequences of widespread gadget use among minors. A recent court ruling in California, which examined a child’s addiction to YouTube and Instagram, has drawn renewed attention to this issue. The court recognized that devices and apps are indeed developed using principles that promote addiction, and that their main goal is to increase profits for their owners.
Public reaction
Despite concerning figures, the issue has yet to spark widespread public debate in Spain. Parents and educators often face challenges when trying to limit the time children spend online. Many point out that addiction develops gradually and goes unnoticed, with early signs—such as declining academic interest, impaired communication, and emotional instability—often attributed to typical adolescent behavior. However, according to russpain.com, the situation calls for a systemic approach involving all stakeholders—from families to government agencies.
Other regions in the country are also reporting cases where digital technologies are causing significant changes in young people’s behavior. For example, Andalusian prisons have seen a rise in confiscated mobile devices, highlighting the widespread presence of gadgets even in secure facilities. Learn more about new methods of smuggling phones and their impact on security in the article on the situation in Andalusian prisons.
Consequences and trends
The problem of internet addiction among teenagers is becoming increasingly relevant in Spain. In recent years, there has been a rise in the number of people seeking help from specialists for digital dependency, as well as an increase in educational programs focused on prevention. Some schools have introduced restrictions on smartphone use, but experts believe these measures are not enough to solve the problem as a whole.
The surge of interest in internet addiction has coincided with a growing body of research into the impact of digital technologies on the mental health of children and adolescents. In 2024, psychologist Jonathan Haidt published the book La generación ansiosa, in which he detailed the consequences of early exposure to the internet. Key risks include reduced learning ability, decreased empathy, and a rise in depression cases among young people.
In recent years, Spain has repeatedly debated initiatives to restrict minors’ access to certain online resources and apps. However, none of these have yet led to significant changes on the national level. Meanwhile, according to El Pais, tech companies continue to develop new products designed to maximize user engagement, further complicating the situation.
Other European countries are also seeing a rise in the number of teenagers showing signs of internet addiction. In some regions, special educational programs and psychological support are being introduced for families facing this issue. In Spain, such initiatives are still implemented on a limited scale, but experts warn that without comprehensive measures, the situation could spiral out of control.
In recent years, Spain and other European countries have reported an increase in cases of internet addiction among young people. In 2025, a conference in Madrid focused on the prevention of digital addictions, discussing new approaches to diagnosis and family support. Pilot projects to limit smartphone use in schools are underway in Catalonia and Andalusia. Some regions are implementing educational programs for parents and teachers aimed at the early detection of addiction symptoms. Despite these efforts, the issue remains pressing and requires further attention from both society and the government.
