According to the 2023 ALADINO Study conducted by the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN), 30% of school-aged children spend more than two hours per day in front of a screen, a figure that is even higher among families with fewer resources.
Eating in front of screens leads to what is known as mindless eating, a habit that makes it difficult for the brain to properly perceive hunger and satiety signals, resulting in the unconscious consumption of larger quantities of food.
Huércal de Almería hosted the third stop of the Copa COVAP, which has travelled to more than 40 towns since 2013, raising awareness of healthy habits among more than 40,000 children and 80,000 spectators.
Copa COVAP
Copa COVAP, an educational and sports initiative promoted by the Valle de los Pedroches Livestock Cooperative, together with the 5 a Day Association, warns that screen use — particularly excessive use — during meals negatively affects children’s nutrition and the development of healthy habits.
The ALADINO 2023 Study by AESAN highlights that a significant number of minors may be affected by this issue, given that 30% of schoolchildren spend more than two hours per day in front of screens — well above international recommendations — and that this behaviour is associated with increased risk of sedentary lifestyles, overweight and obesity.
This link is supported by various scientific studies, including research published in the journal Nutrients, which found that children who spend more time using electronic devices or watching television consume more ultra-processed foods and fewer fruits, vegetables, fish and whole grains. The study also shows that eating in front of screens increases the consumption of unhealthy snacks and constitutes a risk factor for obesity.
“Screen time acts as a factor that disrupts children’s eating patterns because it distracts them from natural hunger and satiety signals, which can lead to eating more and eating worse,” explains Manuel Moñino, President of the Scientific Committee of the 5 a Day Association.
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Eating while using mobile devices leads to what experts call mindless eating. This habit makes it harder for the brain to recognise hunger and fullness signals, encouraging unconscious overeating.
“The distraction caused by screens during meals prevents children from listening to their bodies and enjoying the eating experience,” adds Moñino. “Mealtimes should be moments for sharing, conversation and reconnecting as a family — not for isolation in front of a device.”
In the same vein, UNICEF’s 2025 Child Nutrition Report warns that digital advertising and constant exposure to ultra-processed food content are influencing children’s food preferences and decisions, displacing fresh and healthy foods from their diets.
“Increasing exposure to unhealthy products leads to what is known as the dietary substitution effect, where fruits, vegetables and other healthy foods are replaced by quick, high-calorie and less nutritious options,” says Moñino.
Family example: key to a healthy environment
Screen use among parents and children is closely linked.
“Children learn by observing, so they imitate behaviours they see at home. When families are aware of the risks of excessive device use, they establish clearer food and digital rules, creating healthier environments,” explain representatives from 5 a Day.
Among the most effective measures are:
Establishing screen-free zones in the dining room or kitchen
Eating together as a family without devices
Actively participating in conversation during meals
To promote balanced and mindful eating, Copa COVAP and 5 a Day propose practical recommendations for families:
Turn off the television and keep mobile phones and tablets away from the eating area
Make mealtimes shared moments to talk about the day or involve children in food preparation
Adults should model the behaviour they expect, enjoying meals and avoiding distractions
Introduce changes gradually, starting with one screen-free meal per day
Teach children to recognise hunger and fullness signals, respect their appetite and avoid forcing them to eat
Copa COVAP continues promoting healthy habits and sport
The impact of screens on children’s eating habits was the central theme of this stop of the 13th edition of Copa COVAP, held this Sunday in Huércal de Almería with more than 1,000 attendees.
In addition to football, basketball and 3×3 basketball matches, a team of nutrition specialists provided training sessions for families under the title “Digital families, healthy habits”, focusing on managing screen time. Psychologists also worked with children through the session “Discovering your digital superpower” to promote responsible technology use.
The winning teams were:
C.D. Roquetas (girls’ basketball)
El Toyo Basket (boys’ basketball)
El Toyo Basket Marino (girls’ 3×3)
El Toyo Basket Azul (boys’ 3×3)
Almerimar U.D. (football)
They will represent Almería in the Final Phase.
The 13th edition of Copa COVAP also welcomes Jesús Navas as a new ambassador, symbolising the values of humility and commitment promoted by the initiative. This year, five new sponsors have joined the project: Fundación Unicaja, the Andalusian Regional Government, Volvo, Culligan and John Smith, the brand supplying the new sports kits.
