Digital Intoxication and Adolescents: Medicine Students Experience Report On Health Edu-cation

Abstract

Introduction: The widespread use of social media by children and adolescents has been associated with cognitive, behavioral, and sleep disturbances in this age group. These consequences, intensified by social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, continue to impact the mental health and development of young people. Objective: To report the experience of medical students in a health education activity about digital intoxication aimed at adolescents in elementary school. Experience Report: Through an active methodology, a discussion about students' routines was promoted and a survey was applied to identify the level of cell phone dependence. The results indicated a moderate level of digital dependence in most students, which also led the medical students to reflect on their own use of digital technologies. Conclusions: The effects of digital dependence remain present in the current context, requiring ongoing educational strategies. The application of active methodology in health education contributed to critical reflection by future professionals on their role in promoting community health and the autonomous construction of knowledge.