Spanish Youth and Social Media Addiction: A Wake-Up Call

**Social Media Addiction: A Growing Concern Among Spanish Youth** A recent study highlights a worrying trend among Spanish youth: excessive social media use. The research indicates that 36% of young people spend more than three hours a day on social media platforms. This figure rises to 44% on weekends. Furthermore, the study reveals that adolescents from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are disproportionately affected, exhibiting higher rates of video game addiction and sharing inappropriate content online. "The constant notifications and readily available technology contribute to this problem," explains Laura Simón, a social media expert featured in the Antena 3 Noticias report. "Many young people struggle to manage their online time effectively, leading to behaviors similar to addiction." The study also found that 33% of Spanish adolescents keep their notifications on during class, and nearly half fail to silence their devices before bed. A concerning 60% of children from disadvantaged backgrounds receive a mobile phone before the age of 10. Experts urge a collaborative effort from parents and educators to establish time limits and filter content accessible to minors. This joint approach is crucial in mitigating the negative impacts of excessive screen time and promoting healthier digital habits among young people.