What happens when a classroom becomes a phone-free zone? How does it impact students' focus, social skills, and mental well-being? On December 10, dive into these questions and more at our conference, Back to the Future – Locked Screens in the Classroom.

In an age where screens are everywhere, we’re gathering educators, policymakers, and mental health experts from across Europe to reimagine the classroom without cellphones. With engaging panels and thought-provoking roundtables, we’ll explore the profound effects of constant connectivity on young minds—and share practical, proven ways to help students unplug and fully engage.

 

SCHEDULE:

 

10:00-10:30: WELCOME SPEECH AND OPENING PRESENTATION

- Pöltl Ákos (Youth Research Institute senior researcher) on Hungarian regulations and general screen problems

 

10:30-11:30: PANEL DISCUSSION (in English)

The Changing Education Environment: Regulations, Perspectives and Experiences from the UK, Ireland, Hungary and Slovakia.

- Rachel Harper (Principal at the St Patrick's National School Greystones)
- Marlena Murphy (Communications Manager of ‘It Takes a Village’ youth wellbeing initiative)
- Robin Millar (Former Member of Parliament of North Wales)
- Michal Bozik (Researcher at the Research Institute of Child Psychology and Pathopsychology and Ministry of Education)
Moderated by Dorina Marton (Student at the MCC School of Law)

11:30-11:45: COFFEE BREAK

 

11:45-12:45: PANEL DISCUSSION (in English)

Navigating Young Minds and Mobiles: The Impact on Students' Wellbeing, Mental State and Learning Capabilities.

- Maire-Estelle Dupont (Clinical psychologist)
- Andrej Omulec (Lecturer at the School of Advanced Social Studies)
- Jozica Pongrac (Youth and Technology Researcher)
- Ryan Blank (Educator, historian, author)
Moderated by Enikő Szakos (Researcher at the MCC Learning Institute)

 

12:45-13:45: LUNCH BREAK

 

13:45-14:45: PANEL DISCUSSION (in Hungarian)

Regulation in Education: Balancing Technology, Rights, and Safety in Schools

- Márta Benyus (Children's rights Legal Expert)
- Balázs Puskás (Vác High Authority of Diocesan Catholic Schools)
- Szabolcs Frigy (Education Consultant, Lecturer at the Babes-Bolyai University)
- László Tóth (Zala County Head of the Crime Prevention Department)
Moderated by Luca Bártol (Student at the MCC School of Law)

 

14:45-15:00: COFFEE BREAK

 

15:00-16:00: PANEL DISCUSSION (in Hungarian)

Exploring Mental Health, Cognitive Development, and Emotional Intelligence in Youth

- Berci Trauttwein (Developer of the OUT mobile app)
- Melinda Hal (Clinical Psychologist)
- Rita Uzsalyné Pécsi (Educator, Research Pedagogist)
- Szilárd Horváth (MTVA Presenter, Co-Founder of the Búzaszem School)
Moderated by Ákos Pöltl (Youth Research Institute senior researcher)

 

16:00-16:10: CLOSING REMARKS

- Levente Székely (Director of the Youth Research Institute)