The World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for countries to introduce legislation limiting smartphone use among young people to safeguard their mental well-being.
Dr. Natasha Azzopardi-Muscat, WHO’s Director of Country Health Policies, likened the rising addiction to digital devices to tobacco dependency, saying there was a need for “urgent action”.
Speaking at the European Health Forum in Austria, she suggested imposing age restrictions and designating “no-go zones” for smartphones, similar to existing smoking bans in public areas.
Azzopardi-Muscat highlighted that excessive gadget use is increasingly linked to negative effects on mental health, education, and workforce productivity.
She urged policymakers to carefully consider evidence and craft solutions to combat the issue, noting that a portion of the population is already exhibiting signs of problematic usage.
In response to growing concerns, several countries, including France, New Zealand, Greece, and England, have already banned smartphones in classrooms to protect children from the harmful effects of excessive screen time.
Image credit: Onur Binay
