Support for Families Facing Adolescent Challenges
Adolescence is a critical period for emotional development, and family support plays a vital role in preventing risky behaviours. On Friday 16 October 2026, the Ajuntament de Sant Feliu de Codines highlighted new resources offered by the Spott Centre to help families identify early warning signs, improve communication with their children, and respond to concerning situations. The materials focus on two key areas: substance use and problematic screen use. Families can access practical guidance on understanding the risks associated with drug and alcohol use during adolescence, as well as tools to detect and prevent unhealthy digital habits involving social media, video games, and online gambling.
Free Expert Guidance Available
The Spott Centre, operated by the Diputació de Barcelona, provides free specialised support for adolescents, young people, and their families dealing with addictions. According to information published by the Diputació, the service includes direct intervention, territorial outreach in the comarcas of Anoia, Osona, and Vallès Oriental, and advisory support to local councils. A 2022 report from the Diputació revealed that 36.7% of youth addiction cases handled by Spott centres are linked to excessive screen use, underscoring the growing need for early detection and targeted intervention. The centre has also warned of increasing cases involving dual pathology, where addiction coexists with other mental health disorders, requiring more intensive, long-term treatment.
Prevention is based on listening, dialogue, and trust. In case of any concern, seeking professional guidance is recommended.
Families can access a range of tools, including the guide Educating in Healthy Screen Use, a collection of video capsules called Conn ecta-hi, and a family decalogue of best practices for screen use. These materials offer age-specific recommendations and strategies to foster responsible digital habits.
How to Access Support
Residents of Sant Feliu de Codines and surrounding areas can find information through the Vallès Jove youth network and the municipal health plan 2025–2028, which includes mental health care and risk prevention as key priorities. The Pla Local de Salut was approved by the town council on 27 March 2025 and includes measures such as the creation of a Community Health Table and the promotion of social prescribing. Parents and caregivers can consult all resources and request support via the Spott Centre's official website, where guidance is available in Catalan and Spanish.
Primary sources: Diputació de Barcelona, diba.cat, publicacions.diba.cat. Reported by diaricatalunya.cat, vallesjove.cat, santfeliudecodines.cat, seu-e.cat, Diari Catalunya.
