Youth Worker Warns of Teen Screen Time Eroding Family Bonds

From the Youth Information Point in Encamp, youth worker Cristina Segura has highlighted growing concerns over teenagers' excessive screen use and its impact on family bonds and personal development.

In an era dominated by constant connectivity, Segura notes that the real distance between adolescents and their families often lies not in physical space but in endless notifications. She observes daily how hyperconnectivity erodes young people's critical thinking and healthy habits. "A significant number of youths spend too much time on screens, and the key is promoting balanced use," she said. "We won't disconnect entirely, but we must do so thoughtfully."

Segura emphasises that responsibility rests with adults, who have neglected this issue for too long. "We're the ones accountable; the young people are suffering, and we're late to act," she added. This generation of adolescents, she argues, has been overlooked due to past ignorance, unlike younger children whose parents are more aware. The effects extend beyond concentration and mood to weakening human connections, including friendships and family ties.

To counter this, Segura urges families to establish firm, consistent rules: screen-free time slots, mobile-free zones at home, and shared rituals. Crucially, adults must lead by example, as restrictions alone fail. Initial resistance is expected—"it takes three weeks of arguments before it sticks"—but persistence pays off.

Time scarcity compounds the problem, with many parents returning home late and unable to engage fully. Yet when asked, children prioritise parental attention over gadgets. On first mobile phones, Segura advises strict parental oversight until age 16. While dependency is widespread, she cautions against over-labelling it as addiction. "We get so alarmed that we tag everything that way. It's about teaching them to recognise when they've gone too far."

Ultimately, Segura's message is empowering: "Young people don't need us to disconnect them. They need to learn how to choose when to unplug."