Errenteria has joined the 'Altxa Burua' project, a network established to tackle the use of mobile phones among young people. This initiative, already implemented in the town's educational centers, was created by local students' parents with the goal of promoting awareness regarding device usage.
Screen time is a part of modern life, but early mobile phone use can have negative impacts. Aware of this, some parents in Errenteria have launched the 'Altxa Burua' project. The idea began to take shape within groups of parents who met within the school communities of various educational centers.
After sharing information related to their children and screens, some parents recognized the importance of understanding practices in other educational communities. Consequently, they decided to expand the project to a broader local scope, presenting a proposal for joint work to the City Council.
«Little by little, step by step, and after several meetings, we launched the Altxa Burua Errenteria group», explains Garazi Urdanpilleta, a mother from Orereta Ikastola. Additionally, the councilor for education, Itsaso Cruz, who also attended the presentation, highlights that «we have decided to go public because we feel we are mature enough to present ourselves and announce the first campaign we intend to launch in the municipality».
Regarding the age range of the students targeted by this project, Urdanpilleta states that «they are of all ages». From primary to secondary education, «mobile phone use has become so widespread that it affects young people across different age groups». In this line, «we believe that education and awareness are fundamental, so through various initiatives, we have discussed the impact of screens on the development and health of children».
Among these actions, the sessions organized with family educator Miren Ros stand out. «The first session was aimed at families and, in addition to information, provided tools to improve technology use among parents, as they are the role models for children». Following this, fourth-grade primary students from all the municipality's educational centers received a training session, and finally, «a final meeting was held with families where some conclusions were shared», they report.
After witnessing what happens behind the screens, «our concern increased», affirm several family members. Among specific cases, excessive phone use is highlighted. «Many students take their phones to their rooms at night, and some even sleep with them under their pillows», they lament. Similarly, they have observed that some children access games «that are not suitable for their age»; many of them spend time in front of the screen before going to school, engaging in very aggressive games, and consequently struggle to pay attention in class».
Furthermore, they have encountered instances where individuals have connected with their children online, which «is not normal».
Therefore, from Altxa Burua Errenteria, it was clear that action needed to be taken. With enthusiasm and effort, they have launched their first campaign titled 'Gurea erabil dezakezu' (You can use ours). «This initiative aims to make phones available to families, both from municipal buildings and local businesses. Thus, for the moment, children and young people can use the phones in public buildings in the town when they need them», Urdanpilleta points out.
Currently, the campaign begins with public facilities, but the objective is to extend it to other businesses in the town. Altxa Burua Errenteria will continue working to achieve this goal. Participating facilities and establishments will display an identifying sticker reading «Gurea erabil dezakezu», pursuing several objectives.
Among these objectives are reducing the need to use mobile phones or watches for calls, encouraging children to use public spaces and thus get to know their neighborhoods, and finally, strengthening support, backing, and coordination among community members.
