Health Promotion Education on Adolescent Digital Addiction and Lifestyle

Adolescence is defined as a unique period between the ages of 10 and 19, essential for the construction of development and health. During this stage, adolescents exhibit rapid physical, cognitive, and psychosocial growth. However, significant health problems may arise during this period that can adversely affect their development. In the contemporary era, the frequency of digital device use among adolescents is increasing, leading to a heightened risk of digital addiction. Digital addiction has negative impacts on nutritional and exercise behaviors, many of which are preventable and treatable. To improve and promote their health, adolescents require essential education regarding healthy lifestyle behaviors, accessibility to health services, and a safe, supportive environment. Therefore, opportunities must be provided to adolescents to protect and enhance their health. In this context, public health nurses have critical responsibilities within the scope of preventive services. Furthermore, beyond identifying risky health behaviors, public health nurses play a vital role in protecting and promoting adolescent health through their clinical approaches to existing risky behaviors. Public health nurses can raise awareness among youth regarding healthy nutrition, participation in physical and social activities, the harms of substance abuse (tobacco, alcohol, drugs), violence, and accident prevention. Preventive interventions by nurses targeting the risky health behaviors observed during this period and the potential health problems in adulthood will contribute significantly to the formation of healthy societies.