This initiative, which has filled the rooms with shelves of books and magazines on health for all ages, aims to sensitize families about the uncontrolled consumption of screens. As explained by Sònia Ponce, director of the pediatric line, mobile phone use has extended even to consultations, with children remaining glued to devices while being attended to.
“"This is our small contribution so that children see taking a book as something natural, rather than picking up a screen. If we all believe in it, perhaps in the end we can change something."
The Marcel·lí Domingo de Tortosa and Mercè Lleixà de Roquetes libraries have collaborated by donating a hundred books and magazines. These materials will be updated every three months, following the theme of the wellness corner of the healthcare service. The initiative began by addressing the topic of emotions.
Librarians Irene Prades from Tortosa and Begonya Ferrer from Roquetes highlighted the "careful and exhaustive" selection of books, designed for the reading needs of families, children, and babies aged 0 to 3, emphasizing the importance of reading in early cognitive development. Furthermore, this project seeks to attract new users to the libraries. It is reminded that books cannot be removed from the center, should not be touched if one has a fever, and hydroalcoholic gel must be used to keep the material clean.
Director Sònia Ponce has warned about the increasing abuse of devices, with cases of children using them during medical check-ups or blood draws, and adolescents missing school due to screen addiction. The pediatric line insists that excessive use can affect children's cognitive, emotional, and social development, and aims to reinforce education for healthy usage. Councilwomen Sònia Rupérez (Health of Tortosa) and Cinta Garica (Services for People of Roquetes) added that the 'Screen-Free Spaces' aim to be a place for disconnection, peace, and calm, humanizing the healthcare environment.
