A recent survey by the Generalitat has revealed that 35% of secondary school students in Catalonia spend over six hours daily on social media during weekends. The study, based on a sample of 2,700 students, also found that the average daily internet use during the week is 4.8 hours.
In Sant Cugat del Vallès, the 1SEGON Advisory service, part of the Youth Office, has seen a dramatic shift in its caseload. Established in 2016 for drug prevention and expanding to screen issues in 2020, initial consultations were split evenly. Now, 80% of cases involve screen abuse or misuse, according to psychologist Roger Ferrer.
Ferrer, who works with young people up to 18 years old and their families, noted that teenagers often struggle to seek help independently, sometimes being referred by schools or social services. He stressed the importance of users understanding 'why' they use their phones. "The mobile phone is a battleground at home," Ferrer said, adding that the introduction of screens often happens too early, between 12 and 16 years old, when young people lack sufficient maturity for self-control.
Understanding Screen Use and Nomophobia
Biel Bonell, 15, and Mario Carpio, 17, members of the Youth Council, both use their phones for at least three hours a day. While their usage is below the survey's highest figures, it exceeds the 'ideal' daily hour recommended by Ferrer. Both teenagers stated that some of their screen time is for studies and argued that adults should set a better example for device use.
Dr Álvaro Muro, coordinator of the Drug Addiction Care and Monitoring Centre (CAS) at CAP Sant Cugat, clarified that extensive phone use for work does not equate to addiction. "If nothing happens to them afterwards, there's no cause for concern," he explained, contrasting this with individuals who experience anxiety attacks if they forget their phone. This irrational fear of being without a mobile phone is known as 'nomophobia', a term derived from English.
Anxiety is the primary effect of putting the phone aside, similar to other addictions, Dr Muro noted. Ferrer added that users increasingly report feelings of loneliness, which could be a symptom of emerging depression. This situation is more complex for young people with conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), dyslexia, or attention deficit disorders.
Seeking Solutions and Future Legislation
When asked if they could do without their phones, Biel believed he could, though with initial difficulty, while Mario felt it would be manageable for short periods. Ferrer highlighted that for young people, mobile phones and social media platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok are essential for social contact and communication. He also pointed out that from a bioneurological perspective, teenagers are at an age where they seek to explore and expand.
In the last two years, 1SEGON has seen an increase in young people seeking help because they feel they have lost control. Ferrer emphasised 'responsibility' and 'self-care' as key concepts. He also advised cultivating a rich offline life with fulfilling activities to provide an alternative to devices, which can be used to escape personal problems. The service's final recommendation is a 'detox' during weekends or a weekly reduction in consumption.
Mario acknowledged that "real life cannot be set aside, but we must be aware that mobile technology is the future." Biel expressed hope, saying, "Ultimately, the things that make you yourself are what you do with real people, and these experiences are learning. Most of what you look at on your phone brings you nothing." Dr Muro was more direct, stating, "Addictive mobile use limits social relationships because you are used to talking to a machine."
Two years ago, Sant Cugat declared the abuse of social media and screens in children and adolescents a public health problem. The City Council committed to offering guidance to young people and families and promoting a future municipal pact for responsible digital tool use, involving educational communities and youth participation spaces. Dr Muro called for top-level regulation from schools, homes, and especially through legislation. "We need to raise awareness by motivating people, offering external help and support, but if we want things to change, we need to act with laws," he said.
Last February, the Spanish government announced legislative and regulatory measures to prohibit access to social media for children under 16, as part of a bill currently in parliamentary process. Dr Muro, however, argued that "prohibiting because you haven't applied the education you should have done before will always yield a relative result."
