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Entering university is an important stage in the lives of students who, in turn, are making the transition from late adolescence to emerging adulthood. These changes occur during a very sensitive phase of the life cycle, with frequent emotional problems and mental disorders. Arguably, about 70% of mental disorders begin before the age of 24. Early-onset cases usually have worse clinical and functional outcomes.

The university years are associated with an increase in emotional problems: anxiety, depression or suicidal thoughts and behaviors, but also behaviors such as non-suicidal self-harm, disordered eating patterns, and excessive consumption of alcohol and other substances. Together, these disorders and behaviors are associated with poorer academic performance. Only a minority of students (one in five) with these disorders and behaviors receive treatment. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues by disrupting students' routines, lifestyles, and support networks.

In this conference we will review the WHO Initiative of the World Mental Health-International College Surveys (WMH-ICS) consortium, which studies representative samples of students in colleges and universities throughout the world to estimate prevalence of mental disorders, adverse consequences (personal, social and academic), patterns of help-seeking for these conditions, and barriers/willingness to treatment. Longitudinal data collection allows to monitor changes in the incidence, prevalence, and treatment throughout the college years. We will also review controlled interventions that have been conducted at some of the participating universities.

Conflicts of interest:
No conflict of interest. The research presented has been funded by public institutions (mainly: European Commission, Carlos III Health Institute, AGAUR).

In my presentation, I take a close look at how digital technology affects the well-being of young people. To begin, I offer a comprehensive overview of the existing body of literature, highlighting key studies and recent findings. Additionally, I delve into the current controversies within the field, where opinions diverge, with some asserting that the effects are substantial and detrimental, while others argue that they are small and negligible.

In the second part of my talk, I outline the path forward for research in this area. I address essential questions, such as the data we require, the appropriate analytical methodologies, and the significance of robust theoretical frameworks. I also stress the practical relevance of this research to stakeholders, including funders and policymakers.

This conversation extends beyond the confines of academia, emphasizing the tangible implications of our research. As we deepen our understanding of the interplay between digital media and well-being, we can improve our collective decision-making – for a future where the impact of digital technology is thoughtfully considered, ensuring the well-being of our youth remains a central concern.

Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Gibraltar, Gibraltar

Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary

The development of new digital technologies, while providing significant advantages and possibilities, is also accompanied by potential harms and risks. These could especially be relevant in the case of adolescents and young adults whose everyday involvement in online activities is significant while the necessary control mechanisms are not necessarily developed. The current paper discusses the risks of different behavioural addictions in this population with a specific emphasis on those developments related to online activities. These include online video game playing, online gambling, social media use, and online pornography consumption. The paper discusses the differences between non-problematic and problematic online behaviours, the potential risks and harms related, the motivational background and other predictors. Family issues, possible preventive efforts, and questions related to regulations and policies are also presented.