President Dr. Soula Kyriakou presented at the “Young Minds in Crisis: Child & Adolescent Depression” conference hosted by Tarnowska Szkoła Wyższa ANS.

Dr. Kyriakou’s presentation, titled “Digital Closeness, Emotional Distance: Youth Mental Health in Contemporary France,” explored the paradox of modern youth connectivity. While young people today are more digitally connected than ever before, they often experience increased emotional distance and isolation. Her presentation examined how digital communication platforms and social media influence the mental health and emotional well-being of children and adolescents in France, analyzing the gap between virtual connection and genuine emotional support. Dr. Kyriakou discussed the implications of these digital interactions on youth depression and mood disorders, offering insights into how educators and mental health professionals can better support young people navigating this complex digital landscape.

The conference brought together an international group of psychologists, psychiatrists, educators, teachers, students, parents, and representatives from psychological and pedagogical counseling centers. Each session featured four expert presentations followed by panel discussions, creating space for interdisciplinary dialogue on the causes, manifestations, and effective support strategies for children and adolescents struggling with mood disorders.

The event focused on promoting early detection of depressive symptoms, breaking stereotypes, and supporting educational and therapeutic environments in developing effective systems of assistance for young people in emotional crisis. Dr. Kyriakou’s participation demonstrates our ongoing commitment to addressing critical youth mental health issues and contributing to global conversations on supporting the well-being of young people.