Mijas takes action on children’s screen time with new campaign

Mijas Town Hall has expanded its important “Little Ones Without Screens” campaign into municipal nurseries, hoping to raise even more awareness about the negative effects of screen exposure on babies and young children. Local officials introduced the initiative during a meeting with directors from nursery schools in Las Lagunas, La Cala and Mijas Pueblo.

Education councillor Juan Jose Torres says the programme as a practical guide for modern families navigating the tricky world of technology during early childhood. Health professionals involved in the campaign warned that prolonged use of phones, tablets and televisions may affect language development, emotional wellbeing, sleep quality and social interaction in children under six.

Nursery schools join awareness drive

Teachers and childcare staff warmly welcomed the initiative, stating that many parents are uncertain about recommended screen-time limits for very young children. Specialists working with the project plan to visit nurseries to speak directly with families and provide advice on healthy daily routines.

Ten educational videos created for the campaign are currently being broadcast by local public media and shared through municipal channels. Printed information leaflets are also being distributed in schools, health centres and council buildings across Mijas.

Medical experts connected to the project stressed that face-to-face interaction, outdoor play and reading are all essential during the first years of development. Guidance from the campaign also encourages parents to reduce device use during meals, bedtime and family activities.

Plans for screen-free public spaces

Council representatives are also considering new awareness measures in parks and playgrounds. Proposed signs would encourage adults to avoid mobile phone use while spending time with children outdoors.

Future events linked to the new initiative include a public discussion featuring paediatric and education specialists, who will examine how excessive digital exposure can influence childhood behaviour, communication skills and learning habits.

Concern over screen dependency among young children is a huge topic worldwide and has led many Spanish municipalities to introduce similar awareness campaigns in schools and community spaces, with some schools starting to put a ban on devices in their learning environments. 

For more information about the new plans for screen free time visit the Mijas town hall website.