Mijas’ new campaign aims to limit children’s use of screens

Mijas Town Hall expanded its “Little Ones Without Screens”, an important campaign, into municipal nurseries in order to increase awareness of the harmful effects of screen-exposure on babies and young kids. Local officials launched the initiative in a meeting held with nursery school directors in Las Lagunas La Cala and Mijas Pueblo.

Juan Jose Torres is an education councillor and says the program can be a useful guide for families to navigate the technology-filled world during the early years of childhood. Health professionals involved with the campaign warned that children’s language development and emotional wellbeing could be affected by prolonged phone, tablet and TV use.

Nursery Schools join Awareness Campaign

Teachers and childcare workers have welcomed the initiative. They stated that many parents were unsure about recommended screen time limits for very young kids. Specialists involved in the project will visit nurseries and speak with parents directly to provide advice about healthy daily routines.

Ten educational videos made for the campaign will be broadcasted by local media. They will also be shared on municipal channels. Also, printed information leaflets will be distributed to schools, health centers and council buildings in Mijas.

Medical experts involved in the project have stressed the importance of face-toface interaction, outdoor games and reading during the early years of development. The campaign encourages parents not to use devices during mealtimes, bedtime or family activities.

Plan for screen-free public space

Representatives of the council are also examining new awareness measures for parks and playgrounds. Signs would be placed in parks and playgrounds to encourage parents not to use their mobile phones while playing with their children.

Future events related to the new initiative will include a discussion with paediatricians and educators who will examine the impact of excessive digital exposure on children’s behaviour, communication abilities and learning habits.

The issue of screen addiction among children is one that has been discussed worldwide. Many Spanish municipalities have launched similar campaigns to raise awareness in schools and public spaces. Some schools are even banning devices from their classrooms. 

To find out more about the new plans, visit the Mijas townhall website.