The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, assured on Friday that childhood obesity is «a matter of State». He did so during the presentation of the National Strategic Plan for the Reduction of Childhood Obesity, which DigitalES -Spanish Association for Digitalization- attended.

This plan, dubbed «En Plan Bien» and designed by the High Commissioner against Child Poverty, links the high incidence of obesity among children to poverty. Figures show that childhood obesity is twice as prevalent among children in lower-income households. For this reason, the government’s first objective is access to food and healthy living habits for these children and their families.

At DigitalES we believe that accessible and affordable digitalization represents a great help for vulnerable people, as a space through which to access products, information, training and job opportunities, and other people to communicate with. Of course, to reap the full benefits of the digital revolution, it is essential to continue to focus on training for responsible use of the Internet.

For this reason, the DigitalES employers’ association has been part of the Alianza País Pobreza Infantil Cero since its inception, promoted by the High Commissioner himself to involve public administrations, companies, foundations, the third sector and civil society in this «State issue». Childhood obesity has physical, mental and social consequences that can extend into adulthood, with important socioeconomic effects. In this sense, childhood obesity is both a cause and a consequence of inequality in our country. Digitalization can help break this vicious circle, mitigating pre-existing socioeconomic gaps and favoring more equitable societies.

Digitalization can contribute to universalizing and improving the quality of services that are crucial to personal well-being, such as education, employability and privacy, regardless of income level. It is a universal revolution, but its effects are especially decisive for those at risk of exclusion, as well as the elderly, dependent persons, women and minors.

Technology, part of the problem or part of the solution?

Technology is undoubtedly part of the solution, but the answers to major social challenges will not come spontaneously. Melvin Kranzberg, who was a professor of the history of technology at the Georgia Institute of Technology and a renowned theorist on the subject, argued that «technology is neither good nor bad, nor is it neutral.» Kranzberg also reminded us that «technology is a very human activity». The digital economy and industry sector in Spain, represented by DigitalES, is at the forefront of the sensibility for a technological development with values, which always prioritizes people.

The regulatory efforts coming from Europe, with the DSA and DMA Directives as the most recent examples, are also moving in this direction towards digitalization by and for people, which favors the social and economic welfare of EU countries.

Photographs: Carmen Sánchez.