Key facts
- Florence, Italy, has opened its first specialized center, "Discover - Out of the shell," to address digital addiction.
- The center focuses on prevention and promoting conscious use of technology, particularly for individuals aged 10-25.
- This initiative is promoted by ASL Toscana centro, the City of Florence, and the Retesviluppo cooperative.
- Italy's approach emphasizes guided disconnection and mindful technology engagement, contrasting with bans implemented in other European nations.
Florence has inaugurated Italy's first specialized center dedicated to combating digital addiction and promoting conscious technology use. Named "Discover - Out of the shell," the initiative aims to help young people, aged 10 to 25, find a balance between their online and offline lives.
The project, a collaboration between ASL Toscana centro, the City of Florence, and the Retesviluppo cooperative, focuses on prevention rather than outright bans. It offers guidance programs, a listening desk, and workshops on media education and social interaction, including activities like board games and group work.
This approach contrasts with stricter measures adopted in other European countries, such as Australia's age verification requirements and France's ban on social media for under-15s. Italy's center aims to empower young people to become active users of technology rather than passive consumers, fostering a healthier relationship with digital tools.