Screens are an integral part of our daily lives and bring many benefits, but their excessive use has become a growing concern, especially among children and young people. When use turns into overuse, and overuse into addiction, the consequences can be felt in mental health, personal relationships, academic performance, and emotional well-being.

At the same time, social vulnerabilities (economic hardship, limited access to services, etc.) can intensify the harmful effects of excessive screen exposure and make it more difficult to both understand the digital world and develop a balanced relationship with technology. Screen addiction is therefore not just an individual issue: it is a collective and community challenge that highlights the need for intervention models that combine prevention, support for families and professionals, and, when needed, specialized therapeutic care.

In this webinar, we will explore two initiatives that address screen addiction from complementary perspectives, with a shared focus on digital and emotional well-being.

• Growing Up in a World of Screens – Som Connexió and the Cafè i Social Media Programme (Catalonia): An educational initiative led by Som Connexió, the ethical, non-profit telecommunications and internet cooperative, designed to support families in digital education and in promoting a responsible and conscious use of screens among children, teenagers, and their families. The project seeks to reduce the negative impact of digital devices on development and well-being through awareness-raising and support resources, including practical guides for families, articles, workshops, newsletters, and educational videos on topics such as getting a first mobile phone, parental controls, and digital misinformation. In collaboration with the Cafè i Social Media programme, it also offers workshops and spaces for participation and peer support for families connected to the cooperative.
• Desconnecta – Specialized Therapeutic Programme: A treatment programme for young people aged 11 to 20 experiencing addiction to new technologies, aimed at reducing problematic screen use and improving daily functioning. Its holistic approach combines psychological support, educational intervention, and family guidance to help adolescents regain healthy habits and build a more balanced relationship with technology. The programme also delivers talks and workshops in schools to raise awareness and prevent risk behaviours associated with intensive use of digital devices.

SPEAKERS:

Javier Feliz, Chief Operating Officer, Desconnecta

Idoia Mirana, Coordinator of the Growing Up in a World of Screens project (Som Connexió)