The latest findings from the Survey on Drug Use in Secondary Education Students (ESTUDES) reveal a positive trend regarding non-substance addictions, including a slight decrease in problematic internet use and pornography consumption, as reported by the Secretary of State for Health, Javier Padilla. Conducted with a representative sample of 35,256 students between February 10 and June 10, 2025, the results indicate a reduction from the elevated levels observed during the pandemic, though caution is advised in interpreting these trends to determine their longevity.

Padilla noted that the issues with internet use are notably more pronounced among female students compared to their male counterparts. While the overall decrease in porn consumption is encouraging, the stark disparity between boys and girls—where boys engage with pornography at three times the rate of girls—raises concerns about the underlying factors contributing to such behavior. Additionally, there has been a reported increase in gambling activities, both online and in-person, which may signify a shift in students' focus towards other forms of addiction.

In light of these findings, health officials emphasize the need for continued monitoring and targeted interventions to address not only pornography use but also other alarming trends such as gambling. The fluctuating data reflects the necessity of understanding youth behaviors in a post-pandemic context and ensuring that preventive measures remain adaptable to the changing landscape of adolescent challenges.