Hikikomori Conference in Messina, April 18
Messina Conference Addresses Hikikomori, Youth Social Isolation
MESSINA, Italy (April 6, 2025) – A conference focusing on hikikomori, a phenomenon characterized by youth discomfort and voluntary social withdrawal, is being held today at Palacultura Messina. The event aims to deepen understanding of this increasingly widespread issue and explore potential intervention strategies.
Understanding and Addressing Social Isolation
The conference, running from 9 a.m. at Sala Palumbo, brings together experts, professionals, operators, and representatives from institutions and associations to discuss the drama of social isolation experienced by many young people who retreat from society, frequently enough isolating themselves in their rooms and refusing outside contact.
The event is promoted by Associazione Urios APS and the professional social service of the Municipality of Messina, with sponsorship from the Municipality of Messina and the University of Messina.
Short Film Screening
A highlight of the conference is the screening of “Are we going there?”, a short film created by students of the Sciascia high school of Sant’Agata di Militello.
Conference Program
The program includes a series of presentations and discussions following institutional greetings from alessandra Calafiore, Councilor for Social Policies of the Municipality of messina; Prof. Leon Zingales, Provider of Messina Studies; and Prof. Teresa Santomarco Terrano, manager of IIS sciascia Sant’Agata di militello.
- Short Film Presentation: Prof. Giuseppe PisciUneri and Matteo Bruno, protagonists of “We go?”, will present the film.
- Hikikomori and Intervention Strategies: Elina Valenti, Regional Coordinator of Psychologists Hikikomori Italia, will discuss understanding and addressing social withdrawal.
- Incidence and Training: Dr. Franco Blandi, Resp. service of home educational municipality of Messina, will address the incidence of voluntary social isolation and related interventions.
- Tecnomediate Lives project: Prof. Melania Mento, professor of Clinical Psychology, Dip. Biomorf Unime, will present the PSN project focusing on preventing technological dependence.
- Postponing Gratification: Dr. Massimo Ciuffo, director of the Iridac Study center of Messina, will discuss the difficulty in postponing gratification.
- Family Outlook: Marcella Greco, of Hikikomori Italy Parents Association, will share the family’s point of view, including experiences and challenges.
- Social Retreat at School: Prof. Pietro Ruggeri and Prof. Elisa Calabrò, from L. C. “Salvo D’Acquisto” of Messina, will present a case study of social retreat addressed at school.
- APEI Intervention: Dr. Samuele Amendola, Regional President of APEI (Ass.Pedagogisti Italian Educators), will provide an intervention.
The conference will conclude with a discussion involving representatives of professional orders, services, and associations.
Messina Conference Addresses Hikikomori, youth Social Isolation
What is the Messina Conference about?
The Messina Conference, held on April 6, 2025, at palacultura Messina, focuses on hikikomori and youth social isolation. the event aims to deepen the understanding of this growing issue and explore intervention strategies.
What is Hikikomori?
Hikikomori is a phenomenon characterized by youth discomfort and voluntary social withdrawal, often leading to isolation at home and refusal of outside contact.
Who is organizing the conference?
The conference is promoted by Associazione Urios APS and the professional social service of the Municipality of Messina, with sponsorship from the Municipality of Messina and the University of Messina.
What are the Key Topics of Discussion?
- Understanding and Addressing Social Isolation
- Intervention Strategies for Hikikomori
- The Incidence of Voluntary Social Isolation and Related Interventions
- Preventing Technological Dependence
- The Difficulty in Postponing Gratification
- The Family’s Outlook on Social Withdrawal
- Case Studies of Social Retreat at school
What is the conference schedule?
The program includes presentations and discussions following institutional greetings and a short film screening.
Conference Program Highlights:
- Screening of the short film “Are we going there?”
- Presentations by experts on hikikomori and related topics.
- A concluding discussion with representatives from professional orders, services, and associations.
Who are the Key Speakers and what are their Topics?
The conference features a range of speakers addressing different aspects of hikikomori and social isolation. Here’s a snapshot:
| Speaker | Topic |
|---|---|
| Elina Valenti | Hikikomori and Intervention Strategies |
| Dr. Franco blandi | Incidence and Training related to Social Isolation |
| Prof. Melania Mento | Tecnomediate Lives project (Preventing Technological Dependence) |
| Dr.Massimo Ciuffo | Difficulty in postponing Gratification |
| Marcella Greco | Family Outlook on Hikikomori |
| Prof.Pietro Ruggeri and Prof.Elisa calabrò | Social Retreat Case Study at School |
| Dr. Samuele Amendola | APEI Intervention |
Where is the conference taking place?
The conference is being held at Palacultura Messina, Italy.
When is the conference?
The conference was held on April 6, 2025.