The government of the Balearic Islands have decided to implement phone free zones in all public areas which children under 6 years old have access to. This includes education, health and social centres.
The measure is based on a study conducted by the UIB that has seen a huge increase in the use of screens in early childhood and its possible side effects on cognitive, emotional and social development. This is one of the most extensive research studies that has been done on the Balearic islands, with 8,991 questionnaires collected between April and July 2025, showing that many children use screens within the first year of life with over 90% of families abusing the use of screens with their children.
It is one of the conclusions of the study ‘Analysis of the use of screens in children from 0 to 6 years old in the Balearic Islands’, prepared by the Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB) at the request of the Ministry of Education and Universities and presented this Monday.
Given this evidence, the Government is promoting the creation of mobile phone-free spaces and has developed official signage to identify them in educational, health and social centres.
Due to their findings, the government is calling on families and professionals to make responsible use of mobile devices in the presence of children, especially during moments that are shared with others, to promote a healthier and balanced development for younger children.
The following sign will be displayed in many public places. To find out more about the new phone free zones visit Caib.es
