BIPS has a strong presence at the European Public Health Conference 2024
The BIPS team at the EUPHA Annual Conference 2024 in Lisbon (from left): PD Dr. Antje Hebestreit, Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Ahrens, Stefanie Do, Prof. Dr. Hajo Zeeb and Dr. Saskia Müllmann.
At the conference, the BIPS team presented current research projects and exchanged ideas with other experts to advance the development of effective prevention measures. “An increasing number of studies show that digital and social media can have a negative impact on the neurological, mental and physical health as well as the social relationships of children and adolescents. The discussions on this topic at EUPHA were very enriching,” reports Dr. Antje Hebestreit, head of the Behavior and Health group at BIPS. ”Such findings make it clear, and this is also evident in the exchange with other experts, how important clear rules are – for example, a ban on cell phones in schools or a minimum age of 16 years for the use of social media.”
Hebestreit also emphasizes that campaigns aimed directly at young people often come to nothing. “Many apps are now designed to be addictive. Parents should know this. That's why we need campaigns for parents: they should limit their children's screen time, delay the purchase of smartphones and keep an eye on internet use.”
The EUPHA, an association of national public health organizations, has been promoting public health in Europe for over 30 years. Its annual conference is the most important meeting of European health researchers. They discuss what keeps people healthy and which measures really work. From climate change to disease prevention – the topics are as diverse as the challenges facing Europe's health systems.
Further information about the conference can be found here.