Sant Cugat del Vallès is addressing rising concerns over screen addiction among young people after a Generalitat survey found 35% of secondary students in Catalonia spend over six hours daily on social media during weekends. The study, based on 2,700 students, also showed an average of 4.8 hours daily internet use during the week.
The town's 1SEGON Advisory Service, part of the Youth Office, has seen a significant shift in its caseload. Initially, in 2020, screen-related issues accounted for 50% of its consultations, but this has now risen to 80% of all cases, according to psychologist Roger Ferrer. The service helps young people up to 18 years old, often accompanied by their families.
Ferrer noted that young people rarely seek help on their own, often being referred by schools or social services. He stressed the importance of users understanding 'why' they use their mobile phones. "The mobile phone is a battle at home," Ferrer said, adding that the introduction of screens often happens too early, between the ages of 12 and 16, when young people lack sufficient maturity and self-control.
Understanding the Impact of Screen Use
Biel Bonell, 15, and Mario Carpio, 17, both members of the Youth Council, admit to using their phones for at least three hours a day. While this is below the survey's highest figures, it exceeds the one-hour daily 'ideal' recommended by Ferrer. Both teenagers pointed out 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) in Sant Cugat, explained that extensive mobile use for work does not equate to addiction. "If nothing happens to them afterwards, there's no cause for concern," he said, distinguishing this from individuals who experience anxiety attacks if they forget their phone. The CAS is located at CAP Sant Cugat and operated by MútuaTerrassa.
Nomophobia, or 'no-mobile-phone phobia', describes the irrational fear of being without a mobile phone. Anxiety is the main effect when the phone is put aside, similar to other addictions, Dr Muro noted. Ferrer added that users increasingly report feeling lonely, and this sadness could be a symptom of early depression, especially complicated for young people with conditions like autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, or attention deficit disorders.
Seeking Solutions and Regulation
When asked if they could do without their phones, Biel believed he could, despite initial difficulties, while Mario felt it would be manageable for short periods. Ferrer highlighted that for young people, mobile phones and social networks are key spaces for contact and communication, particularly with platforms like Instagram and TikTok. He added that young people 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 having a rich offline life with fulfilling activities to offer an alternative to devices, which can function as an escape from 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 put aside, but we must be aware that mobile technology is the future." Biel, however, saw hope: "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 networks 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. He argued that while individual awareness and support are important, "if we want things to change, we need to make moves with laws."
Last February, the Spanish government announced legislative and regulatory measures to prohibit access to social networks for children under 16, as part of a bill currently in Congress. Dr Muro, however, cautioned that "prohibiting because you haven't applied the education you should have done before will always yield a relative result."
