Expert Diploma in Digital Well-Being and Prevention in Adolescence and YouthExpert Diploma

3 ECTS 

• Definitions and scope: non-substance/behavioural addictions, problematic use, gamingdisorder.
• Neurobiology of reward and reinforcement mechanisms (dopamine, circuits).
• Relationship between screens, video games, gambling and mental health: anxiety, depression, sleep, ADHD and academic performance.
• Epidemiology and national data sources - how to interpret data.
• Digital identity and construction of the self in adolescence.
• Risk and protective factors at individual, family, school and community level.
   

3 ECTS

• In-depth study of risk and protective factors at individual, family, school and community level. A systemic perspective on intervention.
• Transition to adulthood. Key theoretical framework for intervention with adolescents and young people.
• Prevention What is it? Typologies and dimensions.
• School-based detection and response protocols: record-keeping, internal coordination and communication with families.
• Role of the digital well-being coordinator.
• Care pathways: identification within the school setting, referral and coordination with health services.
• Socio-educational support pathways: referral and coordination with social resources.
• Validated assessment tools and programmes for prevention in the field of digital well-being.

3 ECTS 

• Benefits and risks of Digital Technologies (algorithms, dark patterns, microtransactions, loot boxes, cybercrime, hoaxes and misinformation).
• Psychosocial risks associated with the use of digital platforms (social comparison, exposure to risky content, cyberbullying).
• AI and algorithmic design: basic principles of recommendation systems, personalisation and the attention economy; how these influence content consumption and youth behaviour.
• Media, information and digital literacy (MIL): critical competences for students and families.
• Mitigation strategies: usage limits, privacy settings, healthy digital habits. Current regulation and legislation (EU and national).
• Practical tools: simple UX-audit of an app/game and reporting of results.
• Practical activity: design of a micro-preventive campaign for digital media. (learning scenario for the subject, if the activity is assessed).
• Resources and guides

3 ECTS 

• The role of the family in managing digital well-being: parenting guidelines and technology limits.
• Communication skills with families: brief interviews, active listening and delivery of guidance.
• Design and development of family workshops: content, methodology and evaluation.
• Identification and mobilisation of community resources: health services, social services, associations and partnerships.
• Regulatory framework and public policies related to digital well-being and child protection.
• Data protection, informed consent and ethical considerations in interventions with minors.
• Design of community programmes and collaboration agreements (procedures and sustainability).
• Practical activity: development of a guide/workshop for families and a local partnership plan.
   

3 ECTS 

• Project presentation/justification: objectives/evidence, methodology and evaluation criteria.
• Applied project design: objectives, activities, timeline, resources and indicators.
• Active methodologies: design of an educational escape room or gamified workshop (structure, script and materials).
• Pre/post evaluation / impact measurement instruments: design of brief questionnaires and observation guides.
• Basic results analysis: simple quantitative interpretation and qualitative analysis.
• Final report: project documentation with recommendations and improvement plan.