Use and consumption habits of children aged 7–15 years on smartphones in Spain, the crossroads revealed

Abstract

[EN] This article analyses the smartphone usage habits of children aged 7–15 in Spain, based on data from the “Barometer of Audiovisual Content for Children, Youth, and Media, 2022.” The research highlights that smartphones are predominantly used by children for entertainment purposes, such as social remains secondary. The study underscores the increasing integration of digital devices in children’s daily lives, noting the growing influence of mobile technology on their social behaviors and digital literacy. The findings also raise concerns about the potential negative effects of excessive smartphone use, such as increased anxiety, stress, and social isolation, particularly as children tend to use these devices in private spaces and during late hours. The study suggests that this consumption pattern, coupled with a lack of supervision, may contribute to disrupted sleep and diminished social interaction. The research advocates for the development of strategies that balance digital consumption with well-being and education, emphasizing the importance of fostering digital literacy in young users. The study concludes by calling for further research into the long-term social, cognitive, and emotional effects of smartphone usage among children, to inform policy and educational frameworks aimed at enhancing digital well-being.