SMART Schools Brussels: What works in supporting adolescent digital wellbeing?

Join the University of Birmingham in Brussels for a policy-focused event exploring how digital technologies are shaping adolescent health and wellbeing – and what works in supporting positive outcomes for young people.

Bringing together leading researchers, policymakers, NGOs and youth voices, this event will share the latest evidence from the SMART Schools research programme alongside European and international perspectives. The aim is to identify practical, evidence-led approaches that can inform future policy, regulation and implementation.

Why attend

Digital environments are playing an increasingly central role in young people’s lives – with both opportunities and risks. This discussion comes at a critical time for European policymaking.

Recent initiatives, including the Digital Services Act and broader EU work on children’s rights in the digital environment, are placing growing emphasis on safeguarding young people online. At the same time, new developments such as digital fairness rules are expected to strengthen protections further.

This event offers a unique opportunity to:

• Hear directly from researchers generating real-world evidence on digital wellbeing
• Engage with policymakers and stakeholders shaping the European agenda
• Explore how research can support effective, proportionate policy responses
• Connect with a cross-sector network of experts working on digital youth issues

The session will focus on identifying what works – moving beyond theory to practical solutions that can support healthier digital experiences for adolescents.

Programme highlights

The event will feature:

• Keynote from Normunds Popens (European Commission, Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture)
• Insights from the SMART Schools research programme
• Panel discussions with representatives from academia, EU policy, international organisations and youth groups including; 
  • Olivier Thévenon, Head of the Child Well-being Unit, OECD
  • Mieke Schuurman, Director of Child Rights & Capacity Building, Eurochild
  • Isaac Searle (Youth Representative)
• Opportunities for discussion and networking

Event details

• Date: Wednesday 8 July 2026
• Time: From 10.00 (arrival and coffee)
• Location: ARTS 56 building, Interoffices, EU district, Brussels

Who should attend

This event is designed for:

• EU and national policymakers
• Public affairs and regulatory professionals
• NGOs and civil society organisations working with young people
• Researchers and academics in digital health, education and wellbeing
• Youth representatives and organisations