Experts will provide information on social media, gaming and AI on September 16th
How much smartphone use, social media, or gaming is still normal – and when does it become problematic? These and other questions will be addressed at an information session on media consumption among young people on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the HoffArt Theater in Darmstadt. This free event is aimed at parents, educators, and other interested parties.
The article, titled "Scrolling, Gaming, Streaming – Media Consumption Trends Among Young People," deals with current developments in the use of digital media and how adults can support children and young people in this process.
From social media to artificial intelligence
Smartphones, social networks, gaming, streaming, and increasingly artificial intelligence are part of everyday life for many young people. The event will examine both the opportunities offered by digital services and potential problematic developments.
Topics will include the appeal of social networks and digital platforms, the boundaries between everyday and problematic media use, and ways to promote responsible and independent use of digital services. If there is interest, political considerations regarding age restrictions on the use of digital media will also be discussed.
“Digital media have become an integral part of children’s and young people’s everyday lives – at the same time, many adults feel uncertain about how to use them,” says Darmstadt’s mayor and head of social services, Barbara Akdeniz. The aim is to inform parents and professionals and raise their awareness of the opportunities and potential risks.
Christel Sprößler, head of youth services for the Darmstadt-Dieburg district, also points to the questions many parents have about the line between normal and problematic use. The event is therefore intended to provide concrete information and practical support for everyday life.
Experts in counseling and prevention
Under the heading "digital puberty," experts from media education, educational counseling, addiction support, and prevention will offer insights into their work. Participating organizations include the House of Digital Media Education of the Institute for Media Education and Communication Hesse, the Media Center of the Darmstadt-Dieburg district, the Caritas Association's specialist counseling service for gaming and media-related problems, and the district's counseling center for parents, children, and young people.
In addition to the presentations, there will be an opportunity to exchange ideas with the experts. Regional advisory and support services will also be presented.
Registration deadline: September 7th
Participation is free of charge. Please register by Monday, September 7th, via email to fsp@ladadi.de .
Further information is available from the Darmstadt Addiction Prevention Office – ROPE Network at 06151 / 1364771 or 0157 / 80697256 and from the Addiction Prevention Office of the Darmstadt-Dieburg district at 06151 / 881-1524 or 0151 / 59061117.
Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2026, 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Location: HoffArt Theater, Lauteschlägerstraße 3A, Darmstadt
Participation: free of charge
Registration: by September 7 at fsp@ladadi.de
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/stip)
