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Montserrat Erostarbe: The Psychologist Teaching Kids to Unplug

A Spanish psychologist has published a children's book to help families navigate the complex world of screen time and digital detox, advocating for zero screens for children under six.

El País3h ago
5 min read
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Quick Summary

  • 1The expert recommends that parents should aspire to zero screens for children under six years old, emphasizing the importance of learning to disconnect.
  • 2Erostarbe has authored three children's titles aimed at educating families on technology use and teaching children not to be overly dependent on devices.
  • 3The book is designed to be read by adults with children to foster a shared understanding of why unplugging is necessary.

Contents

A New Approach to Screen TimeThe Expert Behind the StoryThe Philosophy of UnpluggingA Series on Digital WellnessThe Broader ContextKey Takeaways

A New Approach to Screen Time#

In an era dominated by digital devices, one psychologist is turning to storytelling to address a growing concern among parents and experts alike. The impact of screens on childhood development has become a central topic for those dedicated to children's mental health.

Dr. Montserrat Erostarbe, a specialist in neuropediatrics, has taken a creative step to address this issue. She recently published a children's book designed to help families navigate the complexities of technology use and encourage a healthy digital balance.

The Expert Behind the Story#

Based in Sevilla, the 36-year-old doctor is a member of the Neuropediatrics Department at the prestigious Clínica Universidad de Navarra. Her professional focus on child mental health led her to recognize the urgent need for practical tools that parents can use at home.

Dr. Erostarbe's latest work is titled ¡Juego sin móvil! Cómo aprender a divertirse sin pantallas (published by Bruño in 2025). This publication marks her third children's title, continuing her mission to support families in the challenging task of educating children about technology.

The core objective of her writing is to teach children how to exist without being constantly tethered to their devices. Her approach is not just for children, but involves the entire family unit.

"“Los padres deberíamos aspirar a cero pantallas en los hijos menores de seis años.”"
— Montserrat Erostarbe, Doctora en Psicología

The Philosophy of Unplugging#

The central theme of Dr. Erostarbe's work is the concept of learning to disconnect. She argues that the management of screens during childhood is one of the most pressing issues facing modern families. Her book serves as a narrative tool to bridge the gap between adult concerns and child understanding.

According to Dr. Erostarbe, the story is intended to be a shared experience. She recommends that adults read the book alongside the children. This collaborative approach ensures that both generations understand the value of stepping away from screens and engaging in alternative forms of play.

“Los padres deberíamos aspirar a cero pantallas en los hijos menores de seis años.”

This recommendation highlights a strict stance on early childhood exposure to digital devices, suggesting that the foundation for healthy technology habits is built in the earliest years of life.

A Series on Digital Wellness#

While ¡Juego sin móvil! is her most recent release, Dr. Erostarbe's work extends beyond a single publication. She has authored a total of three children's titles, each contributing to a broader conversation about digital wellness.

These books function as educational resources for parents who find themselves struggling to set boundaries in a hyper-connected world. By using fiction and narrative, the author makes complex psychological concepts accessible to young readers.

The collection aims to:

  • Help families establish clear boundaries regarding technology.
  • Teach children the joy of offline activities.
  • Provide a framework for discussing digital dependency.
  • Encourage parents to lead by example.

The Broader Context#

The publication of these books arrives at a critical time. The Clínica Universidad de Navarra is a leading institution in healthcare and research, and Dr. Erostarbe's involvement lends significant weight to her recommendations. Her expertise in neuropediatrics provides a scientific foundation for the advice given in her stories.

By addressing the issue through literature rather than clinical manuals alone, Dr. Erostarbe reaches a wider audience. The goal is to normalize the conversation around digital detox and make it a standard part of family life rather than a punitive measure.

Her work underscores a growing consensus among health professionals: proactive education about technology is essential for the mental well-being of the next generation.

Key Takeaways#

Dr. Montserrat Erostarbe's initiative highlights the importance of early intervention in digital habits. Her book provides a practical, narrative-driven solution to a modern parenting challenge.

As families continue to grapple with the ubiquity of screens, resources like ¡Juego sin móvil! offer a path forward. The emphasis remains on connection—both with each other and with the physical world—over connection to devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Montserrat Erostarbe is a doctor in Psychology and a member of the Neuropediatrics Department at the Clínica Universidad de Navarra. Based in Sevilla, she focuses on child mental health and the impact of technology on development.

The book '¡Juego sin móvil!' aims to teach children how to have fun without screens. It encourages families to read together to understand the importance of unplugging and learning to divertirse (have fun) without mobile devices.

Dr. Erostarbe recommends that parents aspire to zero screens for children under six years old. She believes this early stage is crucial for establishing healthy habits and preventing dependency on digital devices.

She has published three children's titles. These books are designed to assist families in the difficult task of educating children about technology and reducing their dependence on it.

#Niños#Padres#Madres#Hijos#Parentesco#Familia#Infancia#Sociedad#Niñas#Juego#Tecnología#Pantallas#Educación#Crianza hijos#Cuentos#Psicología

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