Madrid to limit screen time in primary schools

The regional government of Madrid has announced plans to restrict screen time in primary schools, limiting computer and tablet use to just two hours a week, The Guardian reported. The new regulations, set to begin in September, will apply to around 500,000 children in 2,000 public schools in the Madrid area.

Teachers will also be prohibited from assigning homework that involves screens. The aim is to address concerns about the risks of excessive and inappropriate screen use at an early age.

Under the new rules, children aged 3 to 6 will have one hour of supervised screen time weekly, while older students in years five and six can use screens for up to two hours a week. Secondary schools will set their own limits.

The move is part of growing concerns over children’s screen time, with national government plans to regulate social media access and smartphone use.