The regional government of Madrid has announced its plans to restrict the usage of computers and tablets in primary schools to just two hours per week. This move aims to address the concerns associated with the early and unintended use of technology among children. The proposal, intended to be implemented in September, also involves a ban on teachers assigning homework that requires the use of screens.
This initiative is the first of its kind in Spain and will affect around half a million children in approximately 2,000 state schools in and around the capital. According to a spokesperson for the conservative government, the purpose is to revisit the basics of education, ensuring they are aligned with contemporary times, making books, dictation, and handwriting pertinent alongside digital literacy.
The new rules specify that students in infant and primary levels will be restricted from individual use of digital devices. Teachers will also be prohibited from setting homework or academic tasks that involve the use of mobile devices outside of the regular school hours.
However, certain pupils will be allowed a limited amount of supervised screen time each week. Toddlers and babies will be prohibited from using screens, while children aged three to six in infant schools will be allowed one supervised hour weekly. Primary students in years three to four will have a maximum of 90 minutes a week of computer time, which rises to two hours for students in years five and six. High schools will be permitted to set their own restrictions, and students with special educational needs will be exempt from these rules.
The growing concern over screen time among children and young people is evident not just in Spain but worldwide. The Spanish government is contemplating legislation to increase the minimum age for opening a social media account from 14 to 16. It is also urging tech companies to implement age-verification systems. The plan calls for the default installation of parental controls on smart devices and the launch of a national education campaign to guide children and teenagers on social media navigation.
Although some regions in Spain have already introduced rules on phone usage in schools, the education ministry is advocating for a “zero usage” policy in infant and primary schools. In secondary schools, phone usage will be restricted to educational activities led by teachers.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/20/madrid-plans-to-limit-computer-and-tablet-use-in-primary-schools-to-two-hours-a-week
