Supporting healthier digital habits with the UEFA Take Care campaign

In our increasingly connected world, technology plays a central role in how we live, work and interact. While it brings many benefits, excessive screen time can have serious consequences, especially for young people.

To help address this, we have launched the latest module of our Take Care programme, focused on digital addiction.

This initiative aligns with this week's World Mental Health Day on 10 October, and aims to promote healthier digital habits, especially in young people, as part of our wider drive to highlight the importance of mental well-being.

By encouraging more mindful use of technology, we hope to support young people in protecting their mental health and fostering a balanced lifestyle.

A growing problem

Helping us address this issue are Spain and Barcelona midfielder Pedri, Netherlands and Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven, Arsenal and former Scotland midfielder Kim Little and former England men's head coach, Sir Gareth Southgate.

"It's clear in my mind that we've never had a greater epidemic of anxiety. I'd be pretty confident that addiction to social media has played a huge part in that," Southgate says, in a special film promoting the campaign.

"When I was a young player, there was a lot more social interaction… Slowly you saw a move towards individual devices where people interacted less and you didn’t get to know people as well," he continues. "When you're part of a team, social connection and understanding each other is so important."

The film, which also features digital addiction experts, parents and coaches, is part of our set of materials freely available for educators and care-givers to help children make better choices when it comes to technology and improving their mental and physical health.

Other materials include a promotional poster, podcast and online webinar recording, as well as an educational lesson perfect for teachers to use in the classroom and a scientific white paper, developed alongside the Human Change Foundation, that shows the research behind the message.

"We know that football and sport can serve as an antidote to digital addiction and the social isolation of children," explains Margarita Louis-Dreyfus, founder of the Human Change Foundation. "The camaraderie, teamwork and real-life experiences built and nurtured on and off the pitch can empower children to become more resilient and socially agile. The launch of this toolkit will support coaches to help children think critically about their technology use, form stronger friendships, care for communities, and lead healthier lives – all skills which are essential for leading a purposeful adult life."

Fourth in the Take Care series, digital addiction follows previous modules centred on mental health, nutrition and physical activity.