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Lima (Agenzia Fides) - "When the media of the digital world become omnipresent, they do not favor the development of the ability to live wisely, to think deeply and to love with generosity", says Prof. Edy Rodríguez Morel de la Prada, professor of theology and philosophy at the Redemptoris Mater theological faculty of Peru, adding that "the digitized world is a latent risk that leads to lose the real dimension of encounter".
According to the latest study of "Children in the digital world. State of the World's Children 2017" by UNICEF and sent to Fides, 1 out of 3 internet users worldwide is a child, and young people between 15 and 24 years of age are the most connected age group. The study warns against dangers such as isolation, dependency, anxiety and the breakdown of family ties and the risks associated with intimidation, abuse, exploitation and pornography.
Faced with this context, the Ministry of Health Social Security of Peru warns that the abuse of social networks, video games, mobile phones and television can encourage problems of addiction, isolation and mental illness. In fact, among the 16-year-old Peruvians, according to the Catholic University of San Pablo, 0.5 students out of 10 have worrying levels of addiction. "It would be a shame if our desire to establish and develop online friendships went to the detriment of our availability for the family, neighbors and those we meet in our daily reality" concludes prof. Rodríguez.
The conclusions of the study include immediate measures, specific investments and the strengthening of cooperation to protect children and young people from the dangers of an increasingly connected world, at the same time taking advantage of the possibilities offered by the digital age. through responsible use, for the benefit of the life of every child. (DB/LG) (Agenzia Fides, 28/02/2018)
