Maria García, a child psychologist in Spain, discusses the increasing prevalence of mobile phone ownership among very young children, highlighting that concerns about safety lead many parents to provide their children with devices at an early age. According to recent studies, children who own mobile phones by age 12 are more prone to issues such as depression, obesity, and sleep deprivation. These findings, reported by Deutsche Welle, raise alarms about the implications of early exposure to mobile technology.

Furthermore, studies indicate that mobile devices are not suitable for younger children, associating their use with attention problems and diminished time for crucial developmental activities. García points out that even children as young as 4 and 5 are beginning to exhibit difficulties in detaching themselves from mobile devices, underscoring a concerning trend in dependency on technology. She is part of the campaign 'Cargando valores' (Loading Values), which aims to educate families about these risks.

The discussion around mobile device usage among children has larger implications for mental health and development, suggesting a need for parents to critically evaluate their choices regarding technology use at home. As mobile phones become increasingly common at earlier ages, the potential for long-term effects on children's social and cognitive development becomes a significant public health concern.