25 October 25, 2025. The BootStRaP team participated in the World Association for Stress-Related and Anxiety Disorders (WASAD) conference with a symposium titled: “Boosting societal adaptation and mental health in a rapidly digitalizing, post-pandemic Europe.”

The session was chaired by Prof. Susanne Walitza and Dr. Julius Burkauskas and featured leading experts discussing the intersection of digitalization, mental health, and youth well-being.

Highlights included: Professor Naomi Fineberg introduced the BootStRaP Horizon Europe project, outlining its aims and mission to address problematic internet use among European adolescents.

Annika Brandtner explored the role of emotional distress in the development of problematic internet use.

Julius Burkauskas presented insights from recent Lithuanian surveys on problematic internet use and mental health. Susanne Walitza shared findings on stress and mental health conditions linked to pathological media use among Swiss adolescents, based on general population samples.

This symposium contributed to the global dialogue on mental health and digitalization, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based approaches to support young people in an increasingly connected world.

BootStRaP communication team information.