Spain tells universities to keep digital use in check

Spain says universities should keep digital use in check, setting their own rules for platforms, communication channels and teaching resources. The government gave its position in Madrid on 21 September in a written reply lodged with the Congress of Deputies. It says each university must act within its own autonomy while applying sensible and proportionate use of technology.

The response followed a question from Vox about possible protocols on switching off digitally and reducing academic messages outside working hours. The party asked whether the government would act to protect the mental health of university students and staff.

Universities set the limits

The government says the right to switch off digitally sits within wider employment rights, risk prevention and work organisation. In universities, it is governed by existing rules, collective agreements and each institution’s own internal arrangements.

That leaves universities responsible for deciding how their digital systems are used rather than imposing one national set of rules.

Concerns over stress and insomnia

Vox says permanently digital university teaching is causing harmful psychological effects for students and teaching staff. It points to anxiety, stress, insomnia and emotional exhaustion.

The party says heavy use of online platforms can deepen the sense of always being connected. It also cites pressure to answer messages and emails outside normal hours, alongside fewer face-to-face interactions.

The Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities says it will continue working with universities and the relevant departments on good practice. It says this should support academic quality, orderly digital transformation and the wellbeing of students, teachers and researchers.

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Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com