Smartphone & Social Media -

Bewust Online works based on the ideas of Smartphone Free Growing Up in the Netherlands. Their starting point: not anti-technology, but pro-childhood.

Technology offers many opportunities, but children also deserve the space to grow, play and develop without the constant pressure of addictive designed algorithms and age-inappropriate content. 

Thekla Reuten (actress and co-founder of Smartphonevrij Opgroeien Nederland) says: “This team has tremendous energy and ideas to help parents and children postpone until at least 14 and to help them consciously choose from 16 whether and how they want to deal with social media. All confidence in these three!”

During this interactive evening, parents and professionals will receive practical insights, recognizable stories and concrete tools to better guide children and young people in the digital world.

A special part of the evening is the contribution of young people from the podcast series Het Brookkelbrein. Led by podcast maker Judith van Loon (Resourceful), they share their personal experiences about an online detox. In the series, young people and experts investigate what intensive smartphone use does to their brain, concentration and well-being. They speak to scientists, do challenges and even have brain measurements carried out. The sometimes confrontational results show how much difference being less online can make and provide a unique and honest insight into how young people themselves deal with the pressure of social media.

In addition, the Helder Theater brings to life varied, humorous scenes and recognizable situations from everyday life involving smartphone use. 

You may recognize questions such as:

What does my child actually see on social media?
How do I set clear boundaries without always ending up in discussions?
How do you keep a healthy balance between screen time and 'real life'?
I want to postpone the smartphone, but the peer pressure is high, what now?
During this evening:

Get practical tools and new insights
Exchange your experiences with other parents and professionals
Experience humorous and recognizable theater scenes
Hear real stories from young people about their online detox
Discover how you can have a conversation about healthy smartphone use at home and at school
The evening is intended for parents and professionals who want to understand more about the online world of young people and are looking for practical tips and inspiration.

Afterwards, the speakers will be available in the foyer for questions and a personal conversation.