Andorra Health Chief Calls for Social Media Bans on Children

Joan Soler, head of the Mental Health and Addictions Service at Andorra's SAAS health provider, has called for a "bold commitment" to restricting social media and screen use among children and adolescents.

Speaking recently, Soler emphasised the need for limits or outright bans on such platforms for minors, citing extensive research showing their harmful effects on brain development and psychological growth. "Screens are not beneficial for children and adolescents," he said, noting that excessive exposure impairs concentration, attention, and motivation while triggering dopamine releases that foster addiction to apps like TikTok and Instagram.

Soler pointed to international trends, with several countries already prohibiting social media access for those under 16. Andorra is pursuing similar measures, which he described as the right approach. "We must limit or prohibit use up to a certain age," he added.

The concerns echo recent comments by Dr Maria Giró, clinical head of SAAS's child and youth area, who raised the issue at a conference in Sant Julià de Lòria. She drew on studies highlighting neurological risks from short-form videos and heavy screen time.

Soler also urged parents to rethink their role in education, stressing the importance of fostering real-world interpersonal relationships over digital ones. "We need to be bold in protecting children from behaviours that ultimately hinder healthy brain, behavioural, and cognitive development," he said.

Such restrictions, he argued, are essential for the education and psychological well-being of young people. Authorities have not yet detailed specific proposals or timelines for implementation in Andorra.