NEWS & UPDATES
5 July, 2026. In July 1-4, BootStRaP members organised the symposium “Problematic Internet Use in Europe: From Epidemiology to Prevention and Treatment” at the IACAPAP World Congress in Hamburg.
The symposium was chaired by Prof. Dr. Susanne Walitza and featured presentations by Prof. Dr. Carmen Moreno, Prof. Dr. Katajun Lindenberg, Prof. Dr. Diane Purper-Ouakil, and Kristin Mosler.
The symposium focused on problematic use of the internet (PUI). Kristin Mosler presented preliminary findings from BootStRaP Cohort 1 on school regulations related to digital technology use.
Event link: https://www.iacapap-congress.com/
As part of a joint symposium, Prof. Dr. Matthias Brand (University of Duisburg-Essen) presented recent advances in the diagnosis, underlying mechanisms, treatment, and healthcare policy aspects of Problematic Use of the Internet. The symposium also featured Prof. Dr. Naomi A. Fineberg and Dr. Jeremy Solly.
The symposium highlighted current research and clinical developments related to Problematic Use of the Internet, contributing to ongoing international efforts in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and policy development.
Photo: © Matthias Brand.
From left to right: Naomi A. Fineberg, Matthias Brand, and Jeremy Solly.
27 June, 2026. The Swiss BootStRaP team recently organised its first Mini Bootcamp, bringing together eight students from Stammheim, KZU Bülach and Wohlen. Held on 13 June 2026, the event focused on exploring young people’s perspectives on problematic internet use (PUI), understanding their experiences, and co-creating ideas that could support a healthier digital balance.
During two interactive workshops, participants developed a range of creative solutions to promote healthier digital media habits. Among their suggestions were creating personal “dopamine menus” of rewarding offline activities and introducing voluntary screen-time limits secured with passwords managed by friends or siblings. Students also reflected on what they believe adults should better understand about adolescents’ use of digital media.
One of the key insights emerging from the discussions was that adolescents generally understand adults’ concerns about digital media use. At the same time, they expressed a strong desire for greater trust, open and respectful communication, and meaningful involvement in establishing rules related to digital media. Participants emphasized that rules developed collaboratively with young people are more likely to be accepted than restrictions imposed without their input.
The Mini Bootcamp highlighted the value of youth participation in developing practical responses to problematic internet use. The ideas and perspectives shared during the event will help inform future activities within the BootStRaP project and contribute to the development of youth-centred approaches to digital wellbeing.
This article was prepared based on information and event photos provided by the Swiss BootStRaP team following their Mini Bootcamp held on 13 June 2026
Prepared based on information and event photos shared by the Swiss BootStRaP team.
Source :https://www.kjpd.uzh.ch/en/news/Mini-Bootcamp.html
BootStRaP International Bootcamp in the UK (2024)
BootStRaP International Bootcamp in Portugal (2025)
BootStRaP International Bootcamp in Lithuania (2026)
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- Prof. Amine Benyamina, President of ALBATROS
- Dr. Nicolas Prisse, President of MILDECA (the French Interministerial Mission for Combating Drugs and Addictive Behaviours)
- Dr. Stéphanie Rist, French Minister of Health, Families, Autonomy and Disability
A major highlight of the opening session was a special address delivered by the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, underscoring the critical public health priority of addiction research in today’s society.
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- Prof. Zsolt Demetrovics delivers a comprehensive overview on the evolution, concepts, and future challenges of behavioral addictions.
- Prof. Naomi Fineberg addresses Problematic Use of the Internet (PUI) as a pressing global health challenge, highlighting the project’s latest advances in diagnosis, treatment, and collaborative international research.
5 June, 2026. The BootStRaP project was highlighted at the Council of Europe’s thematic dialogue on social media and youth mental health, bringing together policymakers from 46 European countries, representatives of the European Commission, WHO Europe, UNICEF, and more than 400 online participants.
During the event, Prof. Dr. Sophia Achab introduced the BootStRaP project and showcased its two policy mapping publications, helping raise awareness of the project’s contribution to understanding and addressing the impact of digital environments on young people’s mental health.
The dialogue also provided valuable opportunities to connect with delegates from across Europe, explore future dissemination activities, and discuss potential research funding opportunities.
Such engagement strengthens the visibility of BootStRaP and supports its mission to inform policy and practice through evidence-based research.
Policy mapping papers:
- Mapping policies related to problematic usage of the internet in seven European countries: Netherlands, Spain, Hungary, Lithuania, Portugal, Estonia and Switzerland
- Problematic usage of the internet: A policy map of the use of internet and its possible mental health consequences in adolescents across United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Australia, Canada, the United States, and New Zealand
3 June, 2026. In Vienna, at the seminar “Digital Environments: Risks, Harms and Opportunities for Children and Youth”, organised by the Pompidou Group of the Council of Europe, Dr Julius Burkauskas, researcher at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU) and member of the BootStRaP consortium, delivered a keynote presentation on problematic internet use (PUI) among adolescents.
Dr Julius Burkauskas presented the BootStRaP research on problematic internet use (PUI) among adolescents, highlighting the importance of looking beyond the amount of time young people spend online and understanding the psychological and emotional factors associated with problematic use.
The two-day seminar brought together experts and stakeholders to examine how digital environments are affecting children and young people, and what can be done to reduce associated risks. Discussions addressed the progress already made in understanding digital harms, as well as the challenges that remain in developing effective policy and regulatory responses.
BootStRaP contributed to this discussion by highlighting the need for approaches that address problematic internet use and protect young people while recognising that digital technologies also provide important opportunities for learning, communication and participation. Effective regulation therefore needs to focus not only on individual behaviour, but also on the digital environments and systems in which young people spend their time.
The seminar provided an important opportunity to bring research evidence into the European policy discussion and to strengthen dialogue between researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders working towards safer and healthier digital environments for children and young people.
Photo: J. Burkauskas
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The BootStRaP project is a long-term international study with its own brand and identity. This is a tangible and intangible element, including its history, name, and design – visual identity. The origin of the BootStRaP logo has its roots in the preceding activities of the European Network for Problematic Internet Use (COST action, Net&Me), whose success has significantly expanded the world’s understanding of the connections between health, internet usage, and behavior.
The updated BootStRaP logo reflects continuity and symbolizes the idea of togetherness, uniting a network of scientists researching the influence of the digital world on our brains and behaviour and inspiring us with a new idea: Resilient in times of change.
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