Cell phones and social networks among minors: what changes is Meta promoting and what are the risks of excessive use

Legislative and corporate efforts are intensifying to regulate the use of mobile devices and social media among minors. In Argentina, the Buenos Aires provincial Senate recently passed a law restricting the use of cell phones and screen devices within secondary school classrooms, impacting approximately 1.4 million students across more than 4,000 public and private institutions. Simultaneously, technology companies like Meta are facing increased pressure to implement changes to their platforms to address concerns regarding excessive screen time and digital exposure.

These developments reflect a broader societal debate involving governments, educational institutions, and families regarding the impact of digital technology on adolescent well-being. The focus of these initiatives centers on mitigating the risks associated with prolonged screen exposure, particularly concerning sleep patterns and the developmental effects of social media usage on children and teenagers.