In response to the rapid digital transformation that is affecting European societies, the "Youth Net" of the Commission of the Episcopal Conferences of the European Union (Comece) has published a document, entitled “Digital Challenges for Families in Europe”, which highlights “the need for EU policy makers to give priority to family values ​​and Christian ethics in the digital age”.

The text - Comece explains today in a press release - was created to address "the impact of the digital revolution on families in Europe", underlining "the necessary balance between the adoption of digital connectivity and the guarantee that technological progress strengthens the values ​​of family and harmonize with Christian ethics". The Document starts from what Pope Francis writes in the message for the World Day of Peace, which this year had the theme "Artificial Intelligence and Peace". For the Pope - Comece recalls - "the intrinsic dignity of every person and brotherhood" must be "at the basis of the development of new technologies and serve as indisputable criteria for evaluating them before their use". The Comece Youth Network underlines the importance of the family and the impact that new technologies have on society. Official Eurobarometer surveys often highlight common concerns among families trying to adapt to technological progress, particularly regarding information and entertainment consumption. In particular, key challenges posed by digitalisation, such as social isolation, mental health problems and distorted expectations regarding intimacy, are of concern. Faced with these issues, the principles of Catholic social teaching are therefore highlighted - human dignity, care for the common good and promotion of authentic interactions - and are today "vital to overcome these challenges". The Document proposes three fundamental actions: Education as prevention and empowerment; New approaches to digital consumption; Promotion of real meetings and dialogues. For the first action, the members of the "Youth Net" suggest initiatives to promote media and information literacy with ethical principles. Second, they call for greater regulation of harmful online content. Finally, for the third, they suggest a “Media for the Meeting” campaign. “These suggestions – reads the statement – ​​aim to develop a more connected, respectful and human-centred digital environment, offering concrete initiatives for EU politicians to implement. The digital age presents challenges and opportunities for families struggling to maintain their values ​​in the context of technological engagement. By focusing on education, regulation and positive digital engagement, the Comece Youth Net aims to support technological advances while preserving the fundamental values ​​of family and society."

(by Maria Chiara Biagoni, sir)