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Dec. 4, 2024 – Proposals include banning digital devices for kids under three and restricting their use for those between three and six, except in rare cases. The report also advises rolling out so-called “dumbphones” for teens up to 16 and discouraging social media use entirely for children under 12.
The experts also took aim at educational apps with “instant gratification” mechanics. They recommend their removal from schools to avoid negative impacts on learning. Schools should focus on analogue teaching for younger students and limit digital tools in early education, they said.
On the public health front, the panel pushes for recognising tech-related mental health issues — like addiction and anxiety — as pressing health concerns. It suggests adding screenings for digital overuse into routine doctor visits.
The report calls for mandatory health warnings on digital devices, detailing potential risks like overuse and exposure to harmful content — similar to the ones on cigarette packets, but presumably not as extreme. Similar warnings should pop up on screens when certain apps or platforms are accessed.
