Paraguayan senator warns of 'zombie society' from phone addiction, backs school restrictions

Senator Mario Varela of Paraguay is advocating for stricter regulations on smartphone use in schools, expressing deep concern over the growing impact of technology addiction on children and adolescents. He warns that excessive time spent on screens is fostering a "zombie society," characterized by social isolation, a decline in communication abilities, and rising mental health challenges.

During a recent Senate debate, Varela backed a bill aimed at regulating portable electronic devices in educational settings, from early childhood to secondary levels. He emphasized that this issue is not unique to Paraguay, citing other countries that have already implemented similar measures. Chile, he noted, has seen positive outcomes in student interaction and integration following restrictions on smartphone use in educational environments.

Varela clarified that the proposed legislation is not intended to censor technology but rather to protect a particularly vulnerable population. He highlighted that children and adolescents are in crucial stages of emotional and cognitive development, requiring appropriate guidance and limits. The senator stressed that unfettered access to information through devices can create a sense of vulnerability.

"When all the kids, the children and adolescents are on their phones, we are creating a zombie society," Varela stated, explaining that the constant presence of screens encourages isolation and addictive behaviors. He referenced psychological and psychiatric studies linking intensive device use to brain reward mechanisms involving dopamine release. The senator believes that a tool meant to facilitate knowledge access can negatively impact students' emotional and mental well-being if used without limits.

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El objetivo no es censurar, si no proteger, afirma senador