The event, held at the Universidad Laboral de Eibar, brought together over 250 people to reflect and raise awareness about the impact of digital devices on children and adolescents. Organized by the association Altxa Burua – composed of families and professionals – the forum aimed to present initiatives and strengthen connections.
Minister Melgosa endorsed the words of the Lehendakari, who proposed a Great Basque Social Agreement for responsible screen use, with clear European guidelines: no screens for ages 0-2, a maximum of one hour for ages 3-6, and social media not before age 15.
The minister recalled that the latest report from UNICEF Euskadi indicates that in Euskadi, the first mobile phone is received at age 11 (10 in Spain), 73.7% of children under 13 are already on a social network, and half of adolescents have a "white" profile for the family and another secret one. Furthermore, the report highlights that the first contact with pornography occurs at an average age of 12, and in one out of three cases, by chance.
"We must protect without blaming; as parents, we need to learn to practice digital literacy without blaming ourselves. If decisions are made not to give a mobile phone at a certain age or to delay that age, we must play with our children. Our children ask us for it; when the mobile is removed, a void is created that we must fill with play. Before saying no, we must ask ourselves, 'And now what?' and answer that question by going to the park or taking out board games," explained Nerea Melgosa.
The main presentation of the II Forum of Altxa Burua was delivered by psychologist Francisco Villar, who advocated for critical thinking in the digital age and the defense of protective factors for child development. “Screens have had the capacity to bring about a cultural change that we have accepted; now it is our turn, we must be able to change that culture. If normal relational processes of life are interrupted by screens, not everything will turn out well. We must recover the ability to make decisions,” explained Francisco Villar.
The Law on Children and Adolescents of Euskadi and the V Family Plan, promoted by the Department of Welfare, Youth, and Demographic Challenge, prioritize the protection of children in various areas, including the digital one. In this regard, the department has established direct contact with Altxa Burua this year, 2026, which has joined the Basque Council of Families, already including members like Hirukide, Unicef, Save The Children...
