INSTITUCIONALNI DOPRINOS EVROPSKE UNIJE BORBI PROTIV DJEČIJE ZAVISNOSTI OD UPOTREBE PAMETNIH TELEFONA U DRŽAVAMA ČLANICAMA
INSTITUTIONAL CONTRIBUTION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE FIGHT AGAINST CHILD ADDICTION FROM THE USE OF SMARTPHONES IN MEMBER STATES

Summary/Abstract: The paper investigates the response of the institutions of the European Union to the process of digital transformation of modern society, which, along with radical innovations and countless opportunities, generates a series of systemic challenges with far-reaching consequences for the most vulnerable, children. Through technology, children gain access to educational tools, information and platforms that improve their knowledge and skills. Recognizing this seriousness, the European Union has intensified regulatory and strategic efforts in order to combat the negative consequences of digitalization, identifying critical points of vulnerability such as continuous exposure to inappropriate content and systematic violation of user privacy. A particularly worrisome dimension is represented by the phenomena of online harassment and social isolation, which, in combination with the pathological dependence on the screen known as screen addiction, are directly related to the deterioration of the mental health of the younger population. Smartphones are an integral part of children's lives today. They offer a wide range of opportunities for learning, research, information and interaction with others. However, the increased presence in the digital world exposes children to numerous risks, with an increasing number of children not separating from their phones, which leads to addiction to certain digital services, the harmful effects of excessive time spent in front of the screen and the use of social networks that take advantage of children's vulnerability with the sole aim of attracting their attention as long as possible. European Union member states, such as France and Sweden, have banned the use of mobile phones during school hours to reduce addiction. Addiction to smartphones includes the inability to control the duration of online activities, neglecting other obligations or activities in favor of interacting with the screen. Noticing the changes and dangers brought about by the use of smartphones among children, European institutions have enacted new regulations to find solutions that protect children's mental health by forcing platforms to develop ethical and honest digital products and services. The measures of the institutions of the European Union include a number of regulations such as the Digital Services Act (DSA) as well as various regulations aimed at the so-called dependent design in applications.

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