Asp di Catania joins initiative to combat adolescent social withdrawal

The Asp di Catania has joined ‘Un ponte oltre l’uscio’ (A bridge beyond the door), a multidisciplinary project designed to prevent social withdrawal among adolescents. The initiative aims to create a support network involving schools, healthcare providers, local authorities, and the third sector to identify early signs of isolation and provide coordinated assistance to vulnerable youth and their families.

Led by the Liceo Ginnasio Statale ‘G. Verga’ of Adrano, the project includes nine schools across Adrano, Biancavilla, Bronte, and Santa Maria di Licodia. Participating entities include various municipalities, the Policlinico ‘G. Rodolico-San Marco’, the Rete Civica della Salute, Eris ETS, and Hikikomori Italia Genitori ETS.

The initiative responds to national data from a CNR-IFC study based on the ESPAD Italia survey. In 2023, 2% of Italian students aged 15 to 19 reported experiencing voluntary social isolation for at least six months, while 11.3% reported ‘current withdrawal,’ defined as not leaving the house at all during the week.