On 18 April, in the capitals of the Basque Country, we invite you to leave your mobile phones and enjoy the family
Organized by the Basque Government, Donostia-San Sebastián, Bilbao and Vitoria-Gasteiz will celebrate the Day without Mobile Family, which aims to promote a more conscious use of technology in families. It has been presented by the Counsellor for Welfare, Youth and Demographic Challenge, Nerea Melgosa, as a "small gesture of caring for emotional well-being and restoring the value of shared time."
For the first time, the Basque Government has organized a Mobile Free Family Day. On April 18, Bilbo, the project will take place in three participating spaces located in Donostia and Vitoria-Gasteiz and will be open to all families wishing to participate, be they children or not.
The objectives are clear and concrete: to promote the emotional and relational well-being of families, to be aware of the impact of mobile use on everyday coexistence and to promote positive digital orientation.
As Counselor Nerea Melgosa points out in presenting the project, "in a hyper-connected world, mobile is part of our daily lives. It informs us, connects us and facilitates many tasks. But sometimes, unconsciously, it also takes us away from our closest friends."
It is precisely as an invitation to reflect on the impact of the use of mobile phones on citizens and families that Family Free Mobile Day has been promoted, "not as a ban." "It is a small gesture to raise awareness, preserve emotional well-being and restore the value of shared time," explains Melgosa.
Three spaces, eleven engagements.
To help achieve these goals, on April 18, a space will be opened in Bilbo, Donostia-San Sebastián and Vitoria-Gasteiz, from 11:00 to 19:00, with free activity.
Thus, for a period of time previously agreed with each family, participants will put mobile phones in bags that will be under surveillanceand, without screens in front of them, will have the opportunity to chat, play, listen and enjoy the family , reflecting on digital habits.
Families wishing to do so may also express their commitments to a more conscious use of technology through the signing of the Family Commitment defined by the families themselves. In a document to be submitted to them as a proposal, family members may mark the commitments they are willing to make. These include prioritising family moments over mobile use; setting an example of responsible use of technology (especially adults); promoting activities without screens in the family; and establishing clear family agreements on mobile use.
The Government has specified that there will be qualified staff in the areas to support families throughout the process and that, at the end of the process, participants will be provided with a mobile box to leave the mobile phones of all members of the household there once they return home and contribute to digital disconnection.
Family Day Without Cell Phones
When?
April 18, Saturday, 11:00 to 19:00
For whom?
It's addressed to all families, whether they have children or not.
Where?
San Sebastian: Okendo Square (next to the Victoria Eugenia Theatre)
Bilbao: Casilda Iturrizar Park (next to Tonnetti's sculpture)
Vitoria: Post Street 2, Golden Celedon Square, in front of the sculpture "Silent Cry"
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