Some of the most prestigious doctors, psychologists and researchers in the study of non-chemical addictions in Spain, belong to the Board of Trustees of the Gaudium Foundation.
Study and prevention of addictions and promoting a SAFER INTERNET
Gaudium Foundation started in 1997 as an organization dedicated to research and prevention of pathological Gambling. The penetration of the use of online technologies for gaming activities precipitated a change of focus. In 2004 Gaudium Foundation began to be interested in the problems related to the use of new technologies. We observed an increase of net gambling as well as a growing number of people with problems related to the Internet, mobile phone and videogames who began to seek help in centers of therapy for pathological gamblers.
In 2004 and 2005 the Child Protection Agency of the Regional Government of Madrid published two studies with statistics about the use of new technologies in children. In the year 2006 Gaudium Foundation launched a massive preventive school program (“AVANZAMOS”) financed by the Antidrug Agency, Health Ministry of Madrid Government. This program aims to prevent the misuse of new technologies among children and adolescents. 900 workshops addressing children of age 9 - 12 and their parents take place every year. "AVANZAMOS"is still running and over 300 schools and 36.000 children and parents have participated in the program.
The foundations awareness raising activities for promoting a safer use of Internet and online technologies have extended all over Spain. We have organized conferences in different Spanish cities like Valencia, Seville and Madrid with the participation of main stake holders such us university research departments, NGO's working with children, government agencies, private entities and Autonomous Regions. We train trainers and professionals woking with chidren, particularly children at risk to educate in a healthy use of the Internet and prevent risks.
Gaudium Foundation implements other preventive programs addressing teenagers and families.
The Programa for Smoking Prevention financed by the Regional Government of Madrid trains 22.000 adolescents (13-15 years) to prevent them from smoking.
The Program for Eating Disorders Prevention, is developed during the years 2011 and 2012 finance by the Regional Government of Castille-La Mancha (cities of Toledo, Ciudad Real, Albacete, Cuenca, Guadalajara) and will reach 13.000 teenagers and their families.