When screens replace quality time together

Children today are growing up in a world filled with screens. Phones, tablets, video games, streaming platforms, and social media are all part of their daily lives. Technology itself is not the enemy. But excessive use and the lack of clear boundaries can have real and profound consequences on children’s and adolescents’ emotional, social, and educational well-being.

That is why we, Hope and Homes for Children Romania, are launching the SCREEN-STRUCK campaign and calling for a national public consultation on the impact of social media and excessive screen use on children and adolescents in Romania.

Why is this campaign necessary?

Romania ranks among the highest in Europe for problematic social media use by children. A World Health Organization study shows that over 22% of Romanian children aged 11–15 experience psychological withdrawal symptoms when access to their phone is restricted – a shocking percentage above the average in many European countries.

And the problem isn’t limited to social media. Video games, streaming platforms, and other forms of digital interaction, when used excessively, can lead to:

• social isolation
• anxiety and emotional difficulties
• declining school performance
• school dropout
• deteriorating family relationships

This is not an isolated phenomenon

International experts warn of increasing screen addiction among children and adolescents. Early access to digital devices, combined with the lack of clear rules and digital literacy, amplifies the risks.

Without coherent public policies and real dialogue between authorities, experts, parents, and children, these effects will only deepen.

What do we aim to achieve with SCREEN-STRUCK?

For Hope and Homes for Children, prevention starts with healthy family relationships before vulnerabilities turn into breakdowns.

Through this campaign, we aim to:

• start an honest and informed national conversation about children’s digital balance;
• support public policies adapted to today’s digital reality;
• provide practical tools for parents and caregivers, who often feel alone and powerless facing this challenge.

“Technology is part of our lives and our children’s lives. It is not the enemy. The real challenge is learning how to use it without losing human connection. From our direct experience with children and adolescents from vulnerable families or in state care, we see effects that go beyond statistics: teens isolating socially, losing interest in school, or even dropping out completely due to screen addiction. At the same time, parents and caregivers often feel powerless, without clear tools or specialized support. We believe real solutions can only come through dialogue, education, and public policies adapted to the digital reality we live in,” says Ștefan Dărăbuș, National Director of Hope and Homes for Children Romania.