Policymakers, researchers and practitioners from the Pompidou Group member States and internationally gathered in Vienna and online on 2–3 June 2026 for a thematic seminar dedicated to the topic of online and digital addictions. The event was organised on the margins of the 98th meeting of the Pompidou Group’s Permanent Correspondents Committee with the support of the Austrian Presidency in the Pompidou Group represented by the Federal Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection of the Republic of Austria.

The thematic seminar placed a timely spotlight on how digital environments are reshaping childhood and youth—bringing both unprecedented opportunities and increasingly complex risks, including impact on mental health and well-being – specifically focusing on online and digital addictions.

Across two days, the participants discussed how gaming, social media, Internet and smartphone use and emerging technologies are shaping the wellbeing of children and young people.

It highlighted both risks and opportunities, including impacts on mental health and resilience, as well as the importance of safer and more balanced digital environments. The seminar stressed the need for coordinated policy responses, stronger digital literacy, and support for families and educators, alongside evidence-based approaches to preventing and addressing online and digital addictions—ensuring that digital innovation works in the best interests of children and youth.

International organisations, civil society and research community were invited to contribute to the work of the forthcoming Council of Europe Drafting Committee on Risks and Harms of Online and Digital Addictions (BIO-ALN).

The outcomes of this seminar will further inform the Pompidou Group’s work on improving the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people in digital environments.

• Programme
• Activity report (forthcoming)