National Conference launches in Leeds to tackle screen addiction among young people

A pioneering new event for education professionals working with young people and teenagers is to be held in Leeds. The Be Device Wise Conference, spearheaded by renowned psychologist and psychotherapist Dr Charlotte Armitage will take place in June to raise awareness of the growing impact of excessive device use among children and adolescents.

This one-of-a-kind conference, taking place on Thursday 5th June in Leeds brings together educators, youth workers, and policymakers to explore the latest research on device dependency, its psychological effects, and practical solutions for reducing screen time among the younger generation.

Dr Armitage – a leading expert on screen use in young people and author of the critically acclaimed book Generation Zombie – will lead a series of workshops and keynote sessions, offering attendees evidence-based training on how to engage both young people and their parents in developing healthy device use habits.

“We are facing a critical moment in understanding how technology shapes the development of our young people,” said Charlotte. “On a daily basis teachers and those working with children report that in the classroom they are seeing the impact that these devices are having on children, from reduced attention spans, interpersonal challenges, emotional dysregulation, mental health problems, decreased resilience and problem-solving abilities, speech and language difficulties, and a myriad of physical health challenges.

Be Device Wise is about equipping professionals with the tools they need to support and protect children from the adverse effects of unregulated device use and screen time. We’re looking forward to educating teachers and professionals from schools across the country on this matter from our home in Leeds.”

The Be Device Wise Conference builds on the success of Disconnect to Reconnect week, a city-wide initiative run three times a year encouraging schools to adopt periods of digital detox and embrace real-world connection. The event is designed to expand on these efforts by giving practitioners the knowledge and strategies needed to implement change in their own communities.

The conference will include in-depth sessions on the cognitive and emotional impact of excessive device use, practical toolkits and resources for schools and youth organisations, guidance on supporting parents and caregivers and networking opportunities with national experts and local leaders. Attendees will be trained of the full range of Be Device Wise programmes to enable them to educate teachers, parents and children on this matter.

Becky Hayes, UKS2 leader and early career mentor at Manor Wood Primary School in Leeds adds: “As a Year 6 teacher, I recognise the pressing need to steer our students and their families towards a sensible relationship with technology. I'm really looking forward to attending the Devise Wise conference to pick up strategies and resources that'll empower both parents and children to reflect on their own device use, navigate the digital world safely, and be more present in the world around them.”

To purchase tickets, and for further detail on the event, head to https://bedevicewise.com/conferences/