The regional government of Castilla y León is stepping up efforts to combat gambling, online betting, compulsive screen use and pornography among young people, the Addiction Commissioner announced on Sunday.
The Department of Deregulation, Family and Social Services, led by Carlos Pollán, said it would reinforce prevention measures immediately, continuing a strategy focused on prevention, assistance and the social inclusion of those affected.
Among the main concerns is a rise in money-based gambling, both in person and online, among young people in the region. The latest national secondary school drug survey, ESTUDES, recorded an increase in such activity, though authorities described the growth as not statistically significant.
The survey, which covered 1,892 students across 48 schools and 94 classrooms, did carry one positive finding: compulsive internet use among 14- to 18-year-olds fell from 18.1 percent in 2023 to 15.1 percent in 2025.
Belén Pulgar, director general and head of the Addiction Commissioner’s office, said it was important to keep strengthening preventive policies to consolidate that downward trend, describing prevention as their best tool. She added that the aim was to anticipate risks, support families and ensure that anyone needing help could find a close, professional and effective response in Castilla y León.
