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Spain Helps Children Call Home Without Phones

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Some shops in Spain now allow children without smartphones to call parents for free. Credit : Littlekidmoment, Shutterstock

A few years ago, giving a child a smartphone started feeling almost unavoidable in Spain. Parents worried about school runs, after school activities, buses running late or children needing help while out with friends. Eventually many gave in and bought phones earlier than they really wanted to.

Now things seem to be shifting a bit.

In several parts of Spain, local shops are starting to offer children something surprisingly simple instead. If they need help, they can walk in and ask to call home for free.

No app.

No account.

No smartphone needed.

The idea is already being introduced in Navarra, Catalonia and Boadilla del Monte near Madrid through networks of participating businesses displaying stickers in shop windows so children know they can ask for help if necessary.

And honestly, part of the reason people are reacting so positively to it is because it feels practical in a very normal everyday way.

A child misses the bus after football practice. Somebody forgets keys. Plans change unexpectedly after school. Instead of carrying a smartphone connected permanently to social media and messaging apps, they can simply ask to make a quick call.

For many families, that sounds like a reasonable compromise.

Parents want children reachable without giving them full internet access

The debate around smartphones and children has become much bigger in Spain recently.

A lot of parents are no longer comfortable with how young children are when they first start using social media or spending hours online.

Some schools have tightened phone rules. Parent groups regularly discuss screen addiction, online bullying and children spending less time offline.

At the same time though, many mothers and fathers admit they still feel anxious about not being able to contact their children easily.

That is exactly the gap these shop networks are trying to fill.

The businesses involved are not acting as childcare centres or supervision points. Their role is limited to allowing occasional calls home if a child genuinely needs one.

In Navarra, the initiative is known as ‘Llama a casa’, meaning ‘Call home’.

It is being promoted by the association Adolescencia Libre de Móviles en Navarra together with the Official College of Pharmacists of Navarra.

According to organisers, more than 285 places have already joined including pharmacies, cafés, sports centres, academies and other local businesses.

Catalonia has launched a similar campaign called “Fes un truc” starting in Lleida, where commercial associations reportedly requested thousands of stickers for participating shops shortly after the project was announced.

Boadilla del Monte has also introduced its own version called “Comercio Amigo” through a local family support programme.

The idea feels familiar to many adults in Spain

Part of the reason the initiative resonates with people is because it reminds many adults of how things worked before smartphones became constant companions.

Children used to knock on a neighbour’s door if something happened.

Or ask to use a shop phone, or call parents from a café.

Several parents commenting online about the initiative said they feel pressure nowadays to buy phones earlier than they would actually like because they are afraid children will otherwise be unreachable.

Others say they deliberately delayed smartphones but struggled with practical situations once children started becoming more independent.

That is why the idea is spreading attention far beyond the towns where it currently exists. Because it taps into something many families are quietly wrestling with already.

How do you give children freedom without handing over permanent internet access at such a young age?

According to Spain’s National Statistics Institute, nearly 68 per cent of children aged between 10 and 15 used mobile phones in 2025.

However, the percentage among younger children dropped slightly compared with the previous year. That small drop may not sound huge, but many parents see it as a sign attitudes are beginning to change.

Not necessarily against technology itself. More against the idea that smartphones have become the automatic solution for every situation involving children.

Of course, not everyone agrees on where the balance should be.

Some parents still feel safer knowing children always carry phones. Others wonder whether these shop networks can realistically expand enough to become useful everywhere. But what is clear is that more families in Spain are starting to ask the same question.

Whether children really need smartphones as early as everyone assumed they did.

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Puerto De Mazarron Turns Into A Paradise For Dog Lovers During The National Dog Show

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Mazarron dog show draws top trainers and rare breeds. Photo Credit: Sociedad Canina de Murcia

Once more, Puerto de Mazarron has become the centre of attention for dog lovers and dog breeding enthusiasts as it hosted the 14th edition of the National Dog Show, an event that becomes more popular with each passing year and attracted participants, breeders, and of course, pups with prowess to the charming coastal municipality.

More than 100 professional pups take the stage in Mazarron

The event attracted trainers of more than 100 dogs of various breeds, including extremely rare ones. Visitors who attended the event were treated to a unique opportunity to see the wide range of appearances and skills of the talented dogs, and both experts and amateurs alike enjoyed the show.

The dogs were judged by experts on various categories and evaluations, and trainers also got an opportunity to register their animals’ pedigree and confirm their breed. The event was a mix of both dog show professionalism and public spectacle, so seasoned experts and newcomers could enjoy the show in equal measure.

A prestigious competition to showcase world-class canines

The competition also boasts significant prestige; it was an official qualifying event for the Championship of the Region of Murcia, drawing high-level trainers and world-class canines to the idyllic shores of Puerto de Mazarron. Many of the dogs seen in the competition are set to compete on an international level.

A dog-lover atmosphere during a beautiful afternoon in Puerto de Mazarron

But what truly defined the day was the lively and family-friendly atmosphere among the dog lovers at the show. Spectators of all ages gathered to admire the adorable, striking, and professional pups in an event that combined leisure and community spirit, all in a seaside atmosphere that made for a wonderful afternoon.

With the event, Puerto de Mazarron has once more established itself as a hub for major, world-class competitions on the Costa Calida, and the XIV National Dog Show stands out as a celebration of both canine beauty and the enduring bond between trainers and their incredible animals.

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Benalmadena Marina €3.5 Million Transformation

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Benalmadena Marina as it is now. Credit: Junta

Benalmadena Marina has opened bidding for the full redevelopment of its nautical centre. Council leaders want to improve links between the port and the town while turning the site into a better place for strolling and sea views. The port first opened in 1987 and has been due an upgrade for many years.

Investment details and timeline

Project costs will reach almost €3.5 million, and works should take around 13 months once a contractor is chosen. Offers stay open until June 25 through the standard public contracting process. Earlier board decisions backed even bigger infrastructure upgrades worth more than €3.6 million but were toned down a little.

New viewing plaza and mobility improvements

Designers plan to turn the roof of the main nautical centre building into an elevated public viewing gallery. This space will connect directly to the seafront promenade so people can walk across the structure and enjoy clear views over the docks and water. Surface parking near the centre will disappear to give over more space to pedestrian areas and extend the promenade route without interruption.

Building renovations and access improvements

A new, much more accessible ramp will link street level to the viewing gallery through landscaped ground with a lift providing step-free entry to all levels. Main tasks cover renewal of the building envelope, replacement of external windows and doors, roof waterproofing and updates to electrical, air conditioning and drainage systems. Interior spaces will be reorganised for better use. The auditorium will receive a major upgrade with a new entrance, flexible systems and improved facilities for cultural and social events. Old changing rooms will be removed while fresh service modules are built in several dock areas. Light pergolas and sail-style covers will create shade and visual links across the buildings.

Wider upgrades and next steps

Board members also approved earlier projects to move electrical transformers in the Malapesquera area for €650,000, install new access control barriers for €75,000 and carry out containment works near the harbour entrance for €95,000 euros. These steps hope to improve electrical reliability, security and protection against storms. Planners want every resident and visitor to reach the new plaza and full port area without barriers. The changes should make the nautical centre a more open destination centred on strolling and sea views.

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Anna Pom Pom’s Charity Fundraiser In Benahavis On June 7 Promises Family Fun And Community Support

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Swedish expat Anna Pom Pom, who built a career in television as a presenter and journalist before relocating to Spain. She now runs Anna’s Pom Pom bar in Benahavis and focuses on helping local people through various initiatives that benefit those around her.

Details of the June 7 charity event in Benahavis

Doors open at the Benahavis Pool Bar from midday on Sunday 7 June for a full day of activities dedicated to assisting one local family. Everyone will receive a community warm welcome at this gathering created to provide practical help during tough times.

Musical performances and kids’ entertainment delight all ages

Lucy Indrisie performs live at 4pm. Gema Cabanillas entertains guests at 6pm. Youngsters will laugh along to the Mad Professor Show at 2pm with more activities designed especially for children. Local resident Michael Braeuel will add to the occasion further by bringing in a radio DJ who keeps the energy high all day long with popular tunes and engaging commentary.

Tombola prizes second-hand market and meals raise funds

Participants can purchase tickets for the tombola, where prizes generously donated by community individuals await winners among adults and children. Visitors can explore the second-hand market stocked with clothing, toys, decorative pieces and household goods. All sales proceeds go directly toward support for the family in need. Guests can savour spaghetti dishes prepared on site while mingling with neighbours and friends.

People can drop off donations for the tombola or market the day before the event at the bar so Anna Pom Pom can organise everything smoothly by morning. Attendees will be able to experience joy and purpose simultaneously by joining the gathering. Support flows naturally when locals unite for a good cause.

Join this occasion and help create something meaningful for everyone concerned now. Bring the whole family to share the laughter, music and generosity. For leaving donations, Anna’s Pom Pom is on Calle Malaga, number 8, parallel to the main street, and the event is at Benahavis Pool Bar in Calle Molino, Benahavis.

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