Published on March 30, 2026
Beatriz Martínez, a prominent psychiatrist specializing in neurodevelopmental issues, is advocating for a radical change in how society views screen time for children. She posits that in a few years, allowing children unrestricted access to screens will be regarded similarly to the reckless practice of dipping a pacifier in alcohol. Her bold stance comes as concerns grow about the mental health implications of social media usage among minors.
In a recent interview, Martínez emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue, particularly the alarming statistics surrounding mental health among youth. “Those who had a smartphone with free access to internet content before the age of 15 show significantly worse mental health indicators,” she stated. This assertion is bolstered by a growing body of research linking early exposure to smartphones and social media with increased rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders.
Martínez argues that the brain’s neurodevelopment is highly sensitive during childhood and adolescence, and early exposure to technology can disrupt critical developmental processes. “Social media platforms are designed to be addictive, creating a cycle of dependency that is particularly harmful to young minds,” she explained. The psychiatrist believes that this environment not only hinders social skills development but also distorts self-perception due to the constant comparison with curated online personas.
Highlighting the global trend of increasing screen time among minors, Martínez cautions against complacency. “We’re at a crossroads,” she asserted. “If we fail to act now, we may find ourselves with a generation that is ill-equipped to handle real-world interactions and challenges.” She calls for policymakers to seriously consider imposing age restrictions on social media access, echoing concerns from educational and psychological organizations around the world.
Many parents and educators are beginning to heed Martínez’s warnings. Anecdotal evidence suggests an increasing awareness among families regarding the detrimental effects of excessive screen time. “It’s becoming clear that we need to prioritize kids’ mental health over letting them be entertained ,” one concerned parent noted.
As this debate unfolds, experts like Martínez are hopeful that society will soon recognize the parallels between outdated practices—such as soaking pacifiers in alcohol—and today’s unregulated access to technology for children. With an emphasis on prevention and education, she encourages a collective push to safeguard the mental well-being of the next generation. The question remains, however: will the call for change be loud enough to prompt immediate action?
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