La Jornada «Beyond the heaven or hell of screens: a look at complexity», held on November 22, 2019, reflected on the presence of digital technologies in everyday life.

Organized as a preliminary event to the 7th Catalan Congress on Child and Adolescent Mental Health, it specifically addressed its impact on children, adolescents, and young people.

The need to overcome simplistic views that present screens solely as a threat or, conversely, as a risk-free opportunity was raised.

The meeting highlighted the possibilities that technologies offer to develop skills, facilitate communication, and promote connection with others.

Then, the risks associated with excessive, indiscriminate, or poorly regulated use were analyzed, especially in the most vulnerable groups.

The event vindicated a complex and balanced view, capable of taking into account both the benefits and the difficulties of the digital environment.

From the social and educational fields, strategies were shared to promote a more rational and healthy use of technologies.

The importance of preserving the aspects was also highlighted relational and emotional that they form part of the development of children and adolescents.

The debate invited us to think about how to integrate screens into daily life without losing sight of personal, social, and emotional needs.

La Jornada thus contributed to building a more critical and responsible perspective on the relationship between technology, development and mental health.

Video presentation