The Effects of Non-Ionizing Electromagnetic Radiation (EMF/RF) on the Endocrine System.

Dr. Nikos Skordis, MD, PhD, Pediatrician-Endocrinologist, Professor of Pediatrics, University of Nicosia

CV

Nikos Skordis is Professor of Pediatrics at the Medical School of the University of Nicosia. He was Director of the Department of Pediatrics at the “Arch. Makarios III” Hospital in Nicosia and is currently Director of the Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Endocrinology at the Paydi Center for Specialized Pediatrics in Nicosia.

He received his medical degree from the University of Athens, School of Medicine and his residency in Pediatrics from the Agia Sophia Children’s University Hospital in Athens. He then completed a three-year fellowship program in Pediatric Endocrinology at the New York State University of Buffalo, Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, New York, and the Department of Pathology and Pediatrics at the University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida. As a Fulbright Scholar, he studied Genetics at the Department of Medical Genetics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, and at the Embryology-Teratology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard University Medical School, Boston.

Professor Skordis has a rich writing career with dozens of scientific publications in the field of Pediatric Endocrinology and has participated as an invited speaker in various international and national conferences. He has participated in many national and international research programs and has been selected as a reviewer by a significant number of medical journals. His research work on endocrinopathies in thalassemia, the genetics of endocrine disorders, disorders of sexual development, the epidemiology and immunogenetics of type I diabetes mellitus, and the genetic basis of precocious puberty and hypogonadism has been presented at many local and international conferences and international conferences and has been published in scientific journals and books (h–index: 3101).

Blue Light in the Digital World of Children and Adolescents

Dr. Nikolas Nikolaidis MD, PhD, Pediatrician – Pediatric Endocrinologist, Visiting Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Cyprus School of Medicine.

CV

Dr. Nikolas Nikolaidis is a graduate of the Medical School of the University of Patras and a PhD from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.  During the preparation of his doctoral thesis, he investigated the molecular mechanisms of the non-genomic actions of glucocorticoids using molecular and cellular biology methods at the Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens under the supervision of Professor of Pediatrics and Pediatric Endocrinology Mr. George Chrousos. Mr. Nikolaidis’ postdoctoral research focused on the molecular mechanisms of action of the glucocorticoid receptor and the molecular pathogenetic mechanisms of Primary Generalized Glucocorticoid Resistance Syndrome or “Chrousos” Syndrome with a number of publications in reputable journals. Mr. Nikolaidis completed his residency in Pediatrics (2014-2018) at the First Pediatric Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, at the Children’s Hospital “Agia Sophia” and specialization in Pediatric Endocrinology (2019-2022) as an Academic Fellow. From 2022 to August 2024, he worked as a scientific associate in the Endocrinology Metabolism Unit and Diabetes of the First Pediatric Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, at the “Agia Sophia” Children’s Hospital. In August 2024, he was elected Visiting Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the Medical School of the University of Cyprus. His research work has been awarded by the European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) with Travel Grants and by the Hellenic Society of Endocrinology with awards for best basic research. Mr. Nikolaidis received the European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) Young Investigator Award 2020, the Leonard scholarship from the Hellenic Endocrinological Society (2022), as well as first places in the funding of research protocols from the Hellenic Diabetes Society (2022) and the Panhellenic Association for the Fight against Juvenile Diabetes (2022) for research on type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Presentation – Abstract

It is universally accepted that digital technologies have changed the daily lives of children and adolescents. The internet, the various means of access, the ever-growing social media platforms and the ever-evolving messaging applications have enhanced the possibilities of education and learning and provided new ways of leisure entertainment for all ages and uninterrupted interaction with the wider society. This new digital world of children and adolescents has led to early abuse of screens and the internet with adverse consequences. Over the last fifteen years, more and more bibliographic reports present documented scientific data on the role of blue radiation in the homeostasis of children and adolescents. Blue light from screens chronically activates the stress system, resulting in chronically elevated cortisol levels that are harmful to mood, metabolism, and central nervous system function. Blue light also disrupts our biological clock system (circadian rhythm system), especially when children and adolescents use smart screens during the afternoon and evening hours. Finally, incessant scrolling through social media using screens leads to addiction in the long term through chronic activation of the reward system. In this talk, I will present the dysregulation of the stress system, the circadian system, and the reward system through blue light during screen abuse and highlight the always timeless, important, and timely role of the struggling pediatrician in the prevention of this important problem.

Longitudinal research results in Cyprus from 2007 to 2022, on the Impact of Digital Media on the Mental and Physical Health of our Adolescents

Dr. Charalambos Hadjigeorgiou MD, PhD, Pediatrician

CV

Dr. Charalambos Hadjigeorgiou has been working as a primary care pediatrician in the private sector since 1995 and has joined the Cyprus Public Health Service since 2020. He is a member of the Cyprus Pediatric Society, the “HIPPOCRITES”-Nicosia-Kyrenia Medical Association, the Hellenic Pediatric Society, the Pediatric Society of Northern Greece, the Cyprus Obesity Society and the National Committee “Environment and Child Health”. He has been a scientific associate at the Research and Educational Institute “Child Health” since 1997. He served as Director of Research and Intervention of the European program IDEFICS (2006-2012) and the European program Ifamily (2012-2017). He took part in epidemiological surveys on the health status of 60,000 children aged 10-12 years in the period 1997-2003 throughout Cyprus. He was the scientific director of the “ANEROBOYLI” project, which was funded by the RPF in 2002 and concerned the epidemiology of eating disorders in children and adolescents throughout Cyprus, as well as the re-examination that took place after 10 -20 years in 2012 -2022. He also participated in the “Diamante” diabetes program which was also funded by the RPF. In addition, he participated in the European EFSA program for food safety as well as in research on “Adolescents’ Attitudes to Life” with the Cyprus Pedagogical Institute. He collaborates with the Cyprus Institute of Environmental and Public Health and the Cyprus International Institute for Environmental and Public Health: Health-Promoting Schools – Healthy Children: A Human Exposome Approach.

chadjigeo@gmail.com

The multiple factors that contribute to the effects of digital technology and addiction on children

Dr. Stella Kanna Michaelidou, PhD in Chemistry, with a postdoctoral degree in Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology – Expert in the Effects of Toxic Agents on Child Health and Food Safety

CV

Dr. Stella Kanna Michaelidou is a Doctor of Chemistry, with a postdoctoral degree in Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology – Expert in the Effects of Toxic Agents on Child Health and Food Safety. She is a Former Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Health and Director of the State General Chemistry Laboratory. She is also a Former member of the EFSA MB and DG Sanco/WHO committees and she was elected “Cypriot Woman for the Environment”. She is the President of the Cyprus Environment and Child Health Committee since 2004 and since 2011 her efforts are focusing on RFR/EMF & Children. Her basic moto is that the valid and comprehensive scientific knowledge, to be transformed into simple, valid information for the public and mainly for the formulation of policies based on Science and the Principles of Prevention and Precaution.

Email: stellacm@spidernet.com.cy, tel +35799431695

Presentation – Abstract

As digital technology increasingly invades the lives of children from the first months of life, the complex effects of the applications themselves and the emitted radiation with cumulative or synergistic effects over time are being documented. The threat of addiction begins in the early stages of life and becomes a multifaceted violation of children’s rights to health. As the role of the family in protecting children is crucial, in the presentation, in addition to documenting the effects, good practices and a family technology management plan will be developed as recommended by the American Paediatric Association.

Impact of a Digitalized Childhood on the Cognitive and Emotional Maturation of the Brain

Dr. rer. Nat. Keren Grafen, Bielefeld University, Germany

CV

Degree in Biology with a doctorate in Neuroanatomy (Dr. rer. nat., University of Bielefeld, 1999), followed by extensive research and teaching in neuroscience, including an assistant professorship in cognitive neuroscience. Since 2013, she has her own practice for biological medicine and natural therapies. Her publications focus on neurobiology and the effects of environmental influences—additional frequencies—on brain development, neural plasticity, and cognitive function in both young and adult brains. She also lectured at naturopathic schools and completed additional training in naturopathy, integrative medicine, and Chinese and Tibetan medicine. Her childhood in the Himalayas shaped her integrative view of health and medicine.

Talking to a screen: the impact on children’s mental health

Dr. Evita Katsimicha, School/Educational Psychologist

CV

Dr. Evita Katsimicha is a Registered School/Educational Psychologist specializing in Child and Adolescent Counseling Psychotherapy. She obtained her first degree at the University of Crete and continued her studies in England, where she completed her undergraduate studies in Psychology. She then continued her postgraduate studies at the University of Cambridge, where she obtained a postgraduate degree in Child and Adolescent Counselling Psychotherapy and later in School Psychology at the University of Cyprus, from where she also obtained her PhD in Psychology. Evita has been teaching for the last 10 years in higher education and currently at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and the University of Limassol. She is trained in Parent Training for the Management of Challenging Behavior and in Parent-Child Intimacy Therapy (PCIT).

Her research activity focuses on the study and treatment of antisocial behavior and its impact on parenting, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, sexual abuse and domestic violence in infancy, childhood and adolescence. Part of her research work has been presented in local and international scientific journals and conferences. She was a member of the Cyprus Psychologists Registration Council from 2016 to 2019. She currently serves as President of the Cyprus Association of Psychologists and a member of the Scientific Committee of the multidisciplinary Assessment and Intervention Center “Unique Smiles”.

Presentation – Abstract

When can my child start using screens? How much time is enough? How do I enforce limits on screen time? How is our children’s psychosocial development affected by their exposure to screens? There are no completely right or wrong answers to the above questions, but through the science of psychology, we will discuss some guidelines to guide your child in the reasonable use of screens and set reasonable expectations. Talking about the impact of screens on children’s mental health, we will also discuss how we can support them to use screens and social media in a healthy way.

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY: effects on children – adolescents and difficulties (autism, ADHD, learning disorders)

Dr. Artemis K. Tsitsika, Professor and Representative of UNESCO GHE and WHO Collaborating Center, Associate Professor of Pediatrics-Adolescent Medicine, National Center for Pediatrics, Scientific Head of the Adolescent Health Unit (M.E.Y.), 2nd Pediatric Clinic, National Center for Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital “P. & A. Kyriakou”, Director of the Postgraduate Program “Developmental and Adolescent Health”, President of the Hellenic Society of Adolescent Medicine (HSEAM)

CV

Artemis K. Tsitsika is a Professor and Representative of UNESCO GHE and the World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center, as well as Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA). She graduated from the Medical School of the National University of Athens and specialized in Pediatrics at the 1st Pediatric Clinic of the National University of Athens – “Agia Sophia” Children’s Hospital. She received further training in the fields of Adolescent Medicine and related fields in specialized centers in Greece, Europe and the USA. She is the founding scientific director of the Adolescent Health Unit (AHU), 2nd University Pediatric Clinic – Children’s Hospital “P. & A. Kyriakou” and scientific director of the “youth friendly” programs of the University of Athens, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). She was responsible for the Ministry of Health’s training programs on post-Covid-19 impacts on children and adolescents and she is the Director of the Master’s Degree Program “Developmental and Adolescent Health Strategies” of the Medical School of the National University of Athens. www.youth-msc.gr

She is the Chairwoman of the Committee for the Correction of the Announced Gender of Minors of the Ministry of Health and of the International Committee for the Development of “Friendly” Services in Accordance with the Guidelines of the WHO. She has received numerous scientific awards and distinctions, as well as a prize for her contribution to the development of the field of Adolescent Medicine in Greece. She collaborated with Western Michigan University and the University of Kentucky in the USA as a Visiting Professor in her field of study and she is the head of the organization of numerous Panhellenic and International Conferences, events and experiential workshops, as well as prevention and intervention programs in the community (school programs, Parent Academies, etc.). She participated as an invited speaker in numerous International and Greek Conferences and her research work focuses on the quality of life and health of children and adolescents, including issues of development, psychosocial health, nutrition and its disorders, child and adolescent gynecology, endocrinology and expression of sexuality, learning adaptation, difficulties in relevant school interventions, internet use, prevention of sexual abuse, etc. She has signed relevant Memoranda of Cooperation with the Ministries of Education, Justice and Health and she is the author of a significant number of books in Greece and abroad, as well as children’s books. She has collaborated with Greek and International Scientific journals as a reviewer and has published numerous research articles in the international scientific press, including dozens of articles on the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic that have been distinguished internationally (Children’s Best Paper Award 2021). She is the Scientific Supervisor of the European and other programs of the Scientific Organization “Together for Adolescent Health” www.youth–life.gr and she is the President of the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Society of Adolescent Medicine www.youth-med.gr. She is also Editor-in-Chief of the Journal “Journal of Developmental and Adolescent Health– JDAH”.

Healthy Behaviors: School Leads, Society Completes

Dr. Soula Ioannou, Physical Education Inspector at the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth

CV

Dr. Soula Ioannou is the Inspector of Physical Education at the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth. She holds a PhD in Health Promotion (University of London) and a postgraduate degree in Physical Education (University of Manchester). She has significant experience in developing policies, educational programs and prevention interventions for youth. She participated in the writing of the Health Education Curriculum and has written manuals and tools for education. She collaborates with other Ministries, universities and social institutions to develop horizontal policies related to health promotion.

Presentation – Abstract

The presentation focuses on the Health Education Curriculum of Cyprus, which has been developed within the framework of the Educational Reform based on the modern approach of Health Promotion. The program recognizes that health-related behaviors are not taught mechanistically, but are shaped through a complex network of individual, social and environmental factors. Its philosophy is based on the active participation of students as agents of change and health promotion, rather than as passive recipients of messages or “potentially problematic” behaviors. The need for school collaboration with broader social actors is emphasized (health services, local authorities, NGOs, family), in order to form a coherent and supportive framework for strengthening the health of children and young people. Through practical examples and actions, the role of the school is highlighted as a guide in the development of healthy attitudes and behaviors, with society complementing, strengthening and consolidating these efforts.

Beyond the Screen: Pathways to Protect Students’ Development and Well-Being in a Digital Age

Alina Kirillina, Education Specialist, UNESCO

CV

Alina Kirillina is a specialist in digital learning futures and digital well-being at UNESCO’s Futures of Learning and Innovation Division. She coordinates global initiatives that seek to ensure public education extends into digital and online environments, such as UNESCO-UNICEF Gateways to Public Digital Learning. Her research and advocacy focus on the impact of emerging technologies on students, mental health and social skills, as well as online safety and equity. With over a decade of experience in international cooperation, education policy, intergovernmental negotiations and research, Alina is a passionate advocate for inclusive, equitable and human-centered approaches to digital transformation in education.

The impact of high temperatures and dust on children’s health

Dr. Pinelopi Anagnostopoulou, Pediatrician-Pediatric Pulmonologist and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Medical School, University of Cyprus School.

CV

Dr. Anagnostopoulou is a Pediatrician-Pediatric Pulmonologist and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the School of Medicine of the University of Cyprus. She studied at the Medical School of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and completed her PhD at the University of Heidelberg, Germany. She specialized in Pediatrics in Greece and Switzerland, specializing in Pediatric Pulmonology. Her special clinical and research interest is in lung development in infants and children and the factors that influence it. For the last 5 years, she has been actively participating in research projects funded by the European Union that study the impacts of climate change on health.