Abstract:

In accordance with research conducted by UNICEF Spain in 2021, it is recognized that nearly 95% of adolescents within the age range of 11 to 18 have a mobile phone with internet connectivity, acquiring these devices at an average age of 10.96 years.

This research aims to delve deeper into the complex landscape of screen use by children and adolescents. The psychological and emotional consequences of excessive or inappropriate screen use are closely related to digital stress management and digital well-being. Knowing this correlation, this study provides valuable insights that not only shed light on the current state of youth screen use, but also provide possible recommendations and future steps.

Between March and October 2023, the study, called “Territori Digital Sostenible” (Sustainable Digital Territory) and led by Univesritat Oberta de Catalunya, was conducted in the Alt Urgell and Cerdanya regions of Catalonia on screen use by children and adolescents. The study explores future perspectives and ways to improve the current situation by analysing the initiatives undertaken by families, teachers, professionals, and other stakeholders. This analytical endeavour aims to understand the perceptions of different groups regarding the needs and support to promote sustainable screen use by children and teenagers.

Under the coordination of the GAL Leader Alt Urgell-Cerdanya Consortium, it emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to address screen usage, involving families, educators, and policymakers to protect the mental and emotional health of young people in the digital era.

It was possible to conclude the importance of early and continuous education on responsible screen use, with active participation from children, adolescents, families, teachers, and professionals. Empowering adolescents is crucial to prevent digital addiction, and improving communication and collaboration among all parties, providing training and resources, promoting digital disconnection, and adapting the approach to different educational stages are crucial. During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, the need to offer motivating alternatives to screens for children and adolescents became evident, emphasizing the active involvement of adults, especially families, as fundamental in establishing healthy boundaries.

Consequently, the responsibility to promote a balanced screen use by children and adolescents is a shared project among families, educators, and other relevant figures. These stakeholders may assume the function of role models, and in their conscientious promotion of sustainable screen use, it will ultimately have a positive impact on the behaviour of young people. Therefore, it is important to foster the notion that screen use can present opportunities for growth and learning, as long as it is promoted consciously and in balance.

Educational institutions play a key role in promoting responsible screen use, extending their impact beyond just children and teenagers to encompass families and adult role models. This can be achieved through the implementation of multifaceted strategies that foster awareness, education, and healthy habits surrounding screen usage.

Keywords:

Sustainable screen use, critical digital competences, Digital disconnection.