One in every five young people in Spain addicted to technology

A FIFTH of young people in Spain, aged between 10 and 25, suffer from behavioural problems due to an addiction to digital devices.

This is according to a survey of 4,000 youths which will be included in the new National Drugs Plan from the Health Ministry.

It found that about 90 per cent of teenagers possess between two and five personal video games, mobile phones or other devices.

Symptoms of being obsessed with technology include irregular hours, bad sleeping habits, failure to fulfil responsibilities and even violence.

But the ‘non-substance addiction’ is not classed as an illness and does not feature in The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM5), compiled by the American Psychiatric Association.

Gambling is the only addictive behaviour recognised by the association, which relates mainly to addiction to substances such alcohol, tobacco, stimulants, marijuana and opiates.

Founder of the Family Online Safety Institute, Stephen Balkam advised applying common sense rather than ‘demonizing’ technology, and advised designating technology-free zones around the house.

And a spokesperson from Puerta de Hierro Hospital in Madrid claims not everyone becomes hooked to technology, those who have good social skills or play sports are more resistant.

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Written by

Tara Rippin

Tara Rippin is a reporter for Spain’s largest English-speaking newspaper, Euro Weekly News, and is responsible for the Costa Blanca region.
She has been in journalism for more than 20 years, having worked for local newspapers in the Midlands, UK, before relocating to Spain in 1990.
Since arriving, the mother-of-one has made her home on the Costa Blanca, while spending 18 months at the EWN head office in Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol.
She loves being part of a community that has a wonderful expat and Spanish mix, and strives to bring the latest and most relevant news to EWN’s loyal and valued readers.

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