Recently, many studies aimed at the dangers of the Internet are becoming very popular among families. In fact, a movement is being organised under the slogan “Adolescence without a smartphone” to delay Internet access to adolescents. “There is a lot of talk about these studies and the recommendations they make, but they are all aimed at adults. This is why we wanted to write a more didactic and pedagogical type of book, using clear language aimed at the adolescent and child audience,” the Communication lecturer explained.

The authors claim that this is not an anti-technology movement. “Screens offer many advantages. Even so, it is dangerous for a child to have immediate 24-hour access to the Internet,” the communication lecturer warned. “Not only because of the risks involved, but because adolescents stop doing everything else when they are glued to their cell phone.” The fact is that, as Narberhaus says, many problems related to excessive use of technologies and addictions are emerging that affect mental health and self-esteem. Psychologists and psychiatrists are warning that the age at which depression and anxiety appears are increasingly becoming lower.

The book is a practical roadmap to teach young people to make conscientious and responsible use of the Internet and screens generally based on empowerment. Pantalles: Que no et dominin! seeks to have the reader identify with the day-to-day antidotes that are described and want to follow the recommendations provided when facing any potential problem they may find when surfing the Internet. “The book begins by talking about the first mobile phone,” Narberhaus explained, “and we the message we relay is that with great power comes a great responsibility. The Internet is an infinite world where not everything we find is always pleasant. The web gives us many opportunities, but it carries risks that we have to understand to be able to face them.”

Marta Narberhaus has dedicated a large part of her academic career to research in media education and has written the book with David Bassa, journalist and Director of the Documentary Department at TV3. “Our goal was to synthesise the information we have and translate it into a language that the young audience would understand,” the lecturer pointed out. “We played with the colours in the design, layout, illustrations and we presented anecdotes to draw the reader into the situation.”

The book, published by Bindi Books, is part of an informational book collection for child and adolescent audiences that includes Fake News by Simona Levi and Marc Planas and Emocions a dojo (Emotions in abundance) by David Bueno I Maria Tricas.