Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1517916
11 NEWS maltatoday | SUNDAY • 24 MARCH 2024 MATTHEW VELLA mvella@mediatoday.com.mt Another kind of Easter egg: scientists help kids get a digital detox CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Submit your application COURT MESSENGER (MALTA COURTS) Aġenzija għas-Servizzi tal-Qrati Prospective candidates must be in possession of a School Leaving Certificate. A Court Messenger whose principal place of work is the Malta Courts (CSA-Malta) may be required to perform duties at the Gozo Courts (CSA-Gozo). The post of Court Messenger is pegged to the Court Services Agency Grade 7. At 2024 rates, this is equivalent to €15,487 per annum, rising by annual increments of €350 up to a maximum of €18,637. This full-time post is on an indefinite basis and is subject to a probationary period of six months. Candidates must also be proficient in the Maltese and English Languages Candidates are to submit their letter of application, their qualifications and experience in a Europass Curriculum Vitae Format, a copy of their relevant scanned certificates and a valid Police Conduct Certificate by e-mail on recruitment.courts@courtservices.mt. Further information and a comprehensive description of duties can be obtained by contacting the Court Services Agency on recruitment.courts@courtservices.mt. Applications will be received till Friday 5th April 2024 at 13:00 hrs. Eligibility JobsPlus Permit No. 518/2021 IT'S a big ask but getting young people off the digital screen dur- ing Easter can become a new kind of Lenten fast – thanks to a 'digi- tal detox camp'. An initiative by Fundacion Mapfre, through Data Science Malta, will give school students a new way of reconnecting them- selves by teaching them how to engage with their digital devices mindfully while exploring offline activities. The 'Digital Detox Easter Camp' is pledging three days in which young people can "recon- nect and refresh" by learning more about the effects of exces- sive screen time on mental health and well-being, digital addiction awareness, auditing their screen time, and practical tips for digital balance. They will also rediscover 'of- fline' hobbies to replace screen time, such as outdoor adventures, creative activities, and mindful practice such as meditation to cultivate awareness and presence in daily life. And as with all commitments, they will take a digital detox pledge thanks to their enhanced digital literacy skills, to start pri- oritising offline activities and maintain a healthy balance be- tween technology and real-life experiences. "Participants will leave the Dig- ital Detox Easter Camp equipped with a deeper understanding of their relationship with technol- ogy and practical strategies for promoting digital wellness," Da- ta Science Malta says on their evening course starting 26 March as kids go into their Easter holi- days. "By focusing on mindful en- gagement with digital devices and exploring offline activities, they will be empowered to navigate the digital world more conscious- ly and enjoy a more balanced and fulfilling life. We believe that this camp will provide a valuable op- portunity for students to rejuve- nate and reconnect with them- selves and their surroundings." The European Parliament re- cently called on the European Commission to address existing legal gaps and introduce new leg- islation against addictive design in digital games, apps, and social media. With a report supported by 545 lawmakers back in December 2023, MEPs sounded a warning on the addictive nature of online games, social media, streaming services, and online marketplac- es, which exploit users' vulnera- bilities to capture their attention and monetise their data. Now they want the Commission to increase consumer protection through safer alternatives, even if these are not as profitable for so- cial media platforms. The European Commission is itself currently evaluating the need to update certain consumer protection legislation to ensure a high level of protection in the digital environment, with results are expected in 2024. "No self-discipline can beat Big Tech's tricks, fuelled by armies of designers and psychologists to keep you glued to your screen," Dutch MEP Kim Van Sparren- tak (Greens) said. "If we do not act now, this will have an impact on the mental health and brain development of generations to come." Problematic smartphone or internet use has been linked to lower life satisfaction and mental health symptoms such as depres- sion, low self-esteem, anxiety, lack of sleep and obsessive-com- pulsive behaviour, with children and young people the most vul- nerable. Young people aged 16-24 spend an average of over seven hours a day on the internet, with one in four displaying problematic smartphone use resembling ad- diction. To mitigate the addictive nature of platforms and empower con- sumers, the European Commis- sion is being urged to present a digital "right not to be disturbed". MEPs also want the Commis- sion to create a list of good design practices like "think before you share", turning off notifications by default, chronological feeds, greyscale mode, automatic locks, and total screen time summaries.