On 29 May, an open class was held at the Portuguese Catholic University (UCP) - Braga, where the Primary and Community Prevention of Problematic Internet Use Project was presented.

This event took place as part of the Health Promotion course, which is part of the Master's programme in Clinical and Health Psychology, coordinated by Eleonora Costa, a lecturer at the Faculty of Philosophy and Social Sciences at UCP - Braga.

The speakers were psychologists Ana Trovisqueira - Local Health Unit (ULS) of Famalicão, Armando Pinho - ULS Braga, Márcia Barbosa - ULS Esposende, and Sílvia Lopes - ULS Braga. 

The main aim of this open class was to clarify for the master's students what is meant by problematic internet use. This concept refers to a pattern of behaviour characterised by excessive, uncontrolled and impulsive use of digital media, which negatively interferes with the individual's personal, academic, professional or social life. This phenomenon is often associated with symptoms such as anxiety, isolation, sleep disturbances and difficulty concentrating, and can be a form of behavioural addiction. 

Prevention and early intervention are key to mitigating its impact, especially among the most vulnerable groups, such as teenagers and young adults.