Torrevieja Launches “CIBERSABIOS” Programme

Educational workshops on mobile phones, social media and video games target 6th-grade pupils in 43 classrooms – first session at CEIP Inmaculada on 27 February 2026, with plans to expand to younger years and secondary

TORREVIEJA – In response to growing concerns about the impact of digital devices on young minds, the Torrevieja Town Council has rolled out the innovative “CIBERSABIOS” programme for the 2025-2026 school year. Led by the Concejalía de Prevención y Promoción de la Salud y Consumo through the UPCCA (Unidad de Prevención Comunitaria y otras Conductas Adictivas), this initiative delivers practical workshops directly into classrooms to teach primary school children how to use mobile phones, social networks and video games in a healthy, responsible and balanced way.

The programme kicks off with 6th-year Primary (around 11–12 years old) students across all 16 primary schools in Torrevieja, covering a total of 43 classrooms. Workshops last 90 minutes and are delivered by specialised professionals. The very first session is scheduled for Friday 27 February 2026 at CEIP Inmaculada during morning hours. Future phases aim to progressively include 5th-year Primary and eventually secondary education levels, building a long-term prevention strategy in the municipality.

“With the CIBERSABIOS programme we want to offer our boys and girls real tools so they can learn to relate to technology in a healthy way, fostering critical thinking, self-regulation and emotional well-being from an early age.”

— Rosa Cañón, Councillor for Prevention, Health Promotion and Consumer Affairs

Addressing a Growing National Concern

The launch of CIBERSABIOS comes at a time when studies across Spain highlight the risks of excessive screen time for children. Recent reports indicate that a large majority of paediatricians observe increases in developmental issues linked to overexposure to screens, including sleep disorders, mental health challenges, obesity, vision problems and motor delays. With many children spending several hours daily on social media and devices – especially at weekends – there is rising awareness of links to anxiety, lower quality of life and cyberbullying risks.

In this context, proactive local initiatives like CIBERSABIOS are especially timely. By bringing education straight into the classroom, the programme empowers children with practical skills: setting screen-time limits, taking active breaks, maintaining good posture, recognising signs of dependency, resisting peer pressure on social media, avoiding cyberbullying, protecting personal data and understanding digital rights.

Building Resilience and Critical Thinking

Beyond basic safety rules, the workshops emphasise emotional self-regulation and critical thinking – essential tools in an era when algorithms often exploit attention and emotions. Children learn to identify both the benefits (learning, connection, creativity) and risks of digital tools, helping them make conscious choices rather than reactive ones.

Councillor Rosa Cañón stresses the preventive approach: “Educating and informing is the best way to prevent future problems related to technological dependency, cyberbullying or sleep disturbances, and to promote a balanced and conscious use of the digital environment.” The programme also strengthens collaboration between schools, families and the UPCCA, creating a supportive network around young users.

Looking Ahead: A Model for the Costa Blanca

As Torrevieja’s large multicultural community continues to grow – with families from across Europe bringing diverse digital habits – programmes like CIBERSABIOS set an example for other municipalities in the Vega Baja and southern Costa Blanca. If successful in its initial phase, the initiative could inspire similar efforts in nearby towns such as Orihuela Costa, Guardamar or Los Montesinos, where similar concerns about screen time and youth well-being exist.

By starting early with 6th graders and planning phased expansion, Torrevieja is investing in long-term digital literacy and mental health resilience. Parents, educators and health professionals agree: equipping children with “cybersavvy” skills today is one of the most effective ways to safeguard their tomorrow in an increasingly connected world.

For more details on the programme or upcoming workshops, visit the Ayuntamiento de Torrevieja website or contact the UPCCA directly.