Regional authorities launch initiatives to combat digital risks and youth addiction

Various regional initiatives are addressing the psychosocial challenges posed by digital consumption and substance abuse among youth. In Colombia, the Ministry of Information and Communications Technologies (MinTIC) has established a specialized group to monitor and prevent the recruitment of minors through social media platforms.

In Argentina, educational and community programs are focusing on digital citizenship and safety. Efforts include workshops in Luján to promote responsible technology use, cybersecurity training for primary students to prevent grooming and cyberbullying, and legal training in Azul regarding adolescent criminal responsibility and digital evidence. Experts have also called for a ‘digital reset’ to balance screen time with free play and social interaction to protect neurological development.

Additionally, in Paraguay, the Ministry of Education and Sciences (MEC) is implementing the SUMAR Plan to strengthen drug prevention within schools. These collective efforts highlight a growing institutional focus on the intersection of technology, mental health, and social protection for children and adolescents.