Digital technology use and wellness in Southern Cone schools

Educational and health initiatives in Argentina and Uruguay are addressing the impact of digital technology and excessive screen time on children and youth.

In Argentina and Uruguay, early efforts focused on workshops and science projects for young children. In Las Lomitas, Argentina, medical and psychological professionals conducted workshops for 6th-grade students to promote responsible digital habits. In Uruguay, school projects utilized storytelling and sensory resources to encourage children to balance screen use with physical activity and social interaction.

As the focus expanded in Argentina, initiatives moved toward secondary education and legislative discussions. In Luján, workshops for older students addressed the role of algorithms, online gambling, and the unauthorized circulation of images. Concurrently, in Tierra del Fuego, student research into how electronic devices affect the nervous system and social relationships has aligned with a legislative proposal by the Green Party to regulate personal electronic devices in schools.

Recent efforts in Argentina have expanded to include cybersecurity training for primary students to prevent grooming and cyberbullying, as well as legal training in Azul regarding adolescent criminal responsibility and digital evidence. Experts have also advocated for a ‘digital reset’ to protect neurological development by balancing screen time with free play and social interaction.