Key Moments:
- The Andalusian government has introduced plans for a regional digital platform focused on preventing gambling and technology addictions.
- The new tool is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026 as part of the Third Andalusian Plan on Drugs and Addictions.
- Multiple collaborative research and educational projects were presented at the II Conference on Good Practices in the Prevention of Addictions in Malaga.
Government Details Digital Strategy Against Addiction
The government of Andalusia has announced the development of a comprehensive digital platform aimed at integrating all efforts related to the prevention of gambling and technology addictions. Presented by Antonio Sanz, Minister of Health, Presidency, and Emergencies at the II Conference on Good Practices in the Prevention of Addictions in Malaga, the initiative is a cornerstone of the Third Andalusian Plan on Drugs and Addictions and targets completion by the end of 2026.
Minister Antonio Sanz stated the platform will streamline coordination among institutions, associations, and local administrations dedicated to addiction prevention. The system is designed to centralize resource sharing, facilitate information updates, and foster greater collaboration among professionals in the field.
Centralized Platform Aims to Boost Collaboration and Efficiency
The new application is expected to serve as a centralized database, consolidating prevention programs led by both public and private sector organizations throughout Andalusia. Health and education professionals will be able to retrieve real-time data on active initiatives and proven best practices. According to regional authorities, the project is being undertaken to encourage joint efforts among organizations and enhance the planning and delivery of prevention programs.
This digital initiative signals a commitment to making resources more accessible and effective for those directly involved in combating addictive behaviors across the region.
Conference Highlights Research and Grassroots Efforts
The Malaga conference showcased a range of innovative projects illustrating ongoing research and intervention strategies in gambling prevention. Tecnotest, a project from the University of Valencia, focuses on detecting early warning signs of addiction tied to video games, social media, mobile phone use, and gambling, allowing professionals to identify risky behaviors at an early stage.
The Aragon Health Research Institute presented Gamble Out and Gambl Hid, both of which examine gambling’s influence on younger populations and provide educational content for schools and communities to reinforce awareness of associated risks.
These initiatives demonstrate significant collaboration between academic and health institutions, fusing scientific study with digital solutions to address addiction prevention.
Educational Initiatives Incorporate Mathematics into Prevention
The Department of Mathematics at the University of Córdoba introduced a program tailored for adolescents and young learners. The model incorporates mathematical principles, especially probability, to clarify how randomness factors into gambling activities. Its objective is to help students foster critical thinking and avoid misconceptions about gambling outcomes. Teacher training is also embedded within the program, promoting sustained prevention education as part of routine school curricula.
Looking Ahead: A Unified Approach to Addiction Prevention
Andalusia’s push for a region-wide, technology-supported prevention network underscores a shift toward collective and informed action against gambling-related harms. The long-term success of the digital platform project will depend on robust participation from local councils, academic institutions, and community organizations. If successful, this initiative could inspire similar approaches in other Spanish regions aiming to modernize addiction prevention strategies.
| Project Name | Lead Organization | Main Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Tecnotest | University of Valencia | Early detection of addiction to video games, social media, mobile phones, and gambling |
| Gamble Out / Gambl Hid | Aragon Health Research Institute | Research and educational materials targeting gambling risk among youth |
| Probability-Based Prevention Program | University of Córdoba – Department of Mathematics | Integrating probability education to dispel misconceptions about gambling |
- Author
Daniel Williams
