In a context marked by the digitalization of society, the ethical telecommunications cooperative Som Conexión has highlighted the need for digital education that goes beyond the mere use of technological devices. This approach aims to train individuals to interact healthily and critically with technology from a young age. Currently, it has been noted that the average age for children to receive their first mobile phone is approximately 10.96 years, and a concerning 90.8% of teenagers access the internet daily.
The key to the debate is less about whether minors should or should not use technology, but rather about how and under what conditions they should be allowed to do so. Som Conexión advocates for progressive digital education that emphasizes the emotional and critical development of young people. While it is suggested that the ideal age to provide a personal smartphone is from 16 years old, experts stress that minors can begin to familiarize themselves with devices in a shared environment, always under adult supervision.
Mercè Botella, a social psychologist and founder of Som Conexión, underscores the urgency of building a different digital culture, where educating involves not just introducing technology but also protecting the humanity of young people. A recent UNICEF study reveals that parental supervision of technology use is insufficient; only 29.1% of teenagers claim their parents set any rules related to internet use, which can lead to irresponsible consumption.
To address this issue, the cooperative advocates for starting digital education by teaching key skills such as emotional self-regulation and critical thinking. Botella emphasizes that the problem does not reside in the use of devices, but in the lack of skills to discern and manage their emotional impact.
Furthermore, Som Conexión emphasizes that education should not be limited to a restrictive view of screens, but should promote active engagement from adults. Reducing screen time in educational environments can be beneficial, but it must be part of a broader strategy focused on child well-being. Botella argues that conscious education stands as the best digital defense for young people, presenting technology as a pedagogical tool rather than a means of surveillance.
The cooperative has also developed various resources to help families and educators reflect on technology use. Among these materials are guides like “Despantállame,” designed to reduce screen exposure in the early years of life, and “Challenge: no mobile for families,” which aims to optimize the relationship with technology in homes with teenagers. These resources, created in collaboration with experts in education and psychology, are intended to be flexible tools that support parents and children in today’s complex digital environment.
Through these initiatives, Som Conexión aims to ensure that technology complements human development without displacing the essential experiences that constitute a healthy childhood.
Source: MiMub in Spanish
