Is it entertainment or addiction?

Adolescent drinking, gambling, drug use, internet abuse, sexual behaviour and eating patterns are issues that worry carers of adolescents across the culture and social board. The main issue is: when does experimentation evolve from entertainment to addiction?

On November 7, the PSD Association, in collaboration with the Department of Psychology (University of Malta) and Sedqa (Foundation of Social Welfare Services), organised a one-day training seminar entitled 'Entertainment or addiction - where do youths cross the line?' The seminar was a success, with double the turnout of participants expected.

It was opened by Permanent Secretary of Education Christopher Bezzina. Speeches were also delivered by Ruth Falzon, on behalf of the Department of Psychology and Amanda Caruana, president of the PSD Association.

The theme was specifically chosen, bearing in mind the current local scenario. The PSD Association is concerned about too many mixed messages and misinformation on what constitutes addiction.

Although experimentation should not be encouraged, one must be careful not to confuse experimentation with addiction, as the experiences differ greatly. The association believes that PSD is an extremely important and necessary tool for students to create awareness and impart coping skills. Yet it needs to be supported by a whole-school approach, as well as by the media and business communities.

There needs to be a concerted effort for the benefit of our youth and future generations. During his opening speech, Dr Bezzina referred to the impact and importance of role modelling, while PSD Association president Amanda Caruana emphasised the significance of having a better understanding and knowledge of our youth and being more in touch with their culture.

Marilyn Clark, head of the Youth and Community Studies Department, explained the psychological, social and biological factors of addiction. Participants also had the opportunity to understand the profile of an addict, presented by Anthony Gatt, a counselling psychologist working with Sedqa.

There were also five workshops covering gambling, sexual addiction, substance abuse, technological addiction and eating disorders. Participants were able to attend any two of these workshops.

The PSD Association executive committee also organised an art competition on the theme of addiction. Artist Luciano Micallef reviewed the entries. A painting by Shawn Grech, a student from Żebbuġ Secondary School (St Ignatius College), was judged best technical and thought-provoking painting. The association will be featuring the art entries on a 2010 calendar.

The calendars will be sold at €5 and part of the proceeds will be forwarded to Puttinu Cares. For more information, e-mail or call 7925 5070.