The Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health (ACAMH) announced its 11th Annual Conference titled “The Virtual Playground”, taking place between 5th and 6th March at the Grand Excelsior Hotel in Floriana.This event will bring together international experts from Europe and the United States alongside local professionals, offering a valuable CPD opportunity grounded in evidence-informed practice and real-world application. This year’s theme will explore the impact of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) on the mental health and development of children and adolescents.As national conversations continue around social media regulation and youth digital safety, ACAMH Malta remains committed to a balanced, evidence-informed approach. Research shows both risks and benefits of digital engagement.“We believe responses must move beyond blanket bans, focusing instead on developmentally informed regulation, platform accountability, digital literacy, and early identification of vulnerability,” ACAMH in a statement. “We currently advocate for a skill-based approach before restriction, promoting what can be understood as a balanced digital diet. Just as not all calories are equal, not all screen time carries the same impact. Passive scrolling differs significantly from creative engagement, learning or meaningful connection. Supporting young people to develop judgement, emotional awareness and digital resilience is essential,” wrote It recommends a stepwise, bicycle-learning approach:Scaffolding: Teach children how to use social media safely and thoughtfully, building skills, judgement, and emotional awareness.Protective measures (“helmet”): Educate on privacy, boundaries, digital resilience, media balance, online relationships, cyberbullying prevention, hate speech, and critical thinking.Structural safeguards (“road rules”): Governments and institutions implement practical and proportionate measures, including:Tiered access systems based on developmental maturity, education, and vulnerability, not just age.Mandatory child-safe platform modes with limits on algorithmic amplification and engagement-maximising features for younger users.Algorithmic safeguards to reduce exposure to comparison-based, sexualised, or emotionally disregulating content.Transparency requirements requiring platforms to disclose how recommendation algorithms affect minors.Independent oversight, similar to food standards agencies, to monitor compliance and impose penalties for harmful practices.ACAMH went on to say that parental supervision, while important, is not sufficient on its own as children and adolescents require systemic protection that accounts for age, maturity, emotional vulnerability, and education, rather than relying solely on parents.This conference aims to foster research-led discussion prioritising children’s wellbeing, sharing learning with mental health professionals, educators and parents.For more details and registration, visit ACAMH Malta 11th Annual ConferenceTag a friend to go with them•