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04/10/2025

TBM Training

The International Federation of Green Crescent will launch the Green Crescent Addiction Prevention Program with a 2-day online training on 4–5 October 2025. Participants who complete all sessions and pass the final exam will be certified to implement the program in their local communities.

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05/11/2025

Amb. Dr. Mehmet Güllüoğlu Highlights the Economic and Social Costs of Addiction at Second World Summit for Social Development
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TECHNOLOGY ADDICTION

Addiction is the loss of control over an object or action that an individual uses, leading them to be unable to live without it. In other words, willpower diminishes in usage and behavior and the person continues the addictive usage or behavior whether they want to or not. Technology addiction is the condition where technology controls a person. The misuse of technology negatively affects individuals' physical, psychological, social, intellectual and spiritual development. The International Federation of Green Crescent (IFGC) acknowledges the importance of technology in our daily lives but emphasizes that technology addiction is a critical risk for modern individuals. Consequently, Country Green Crescents which are members of the International Federation of Green Crescent are globally tackling technology addiction.

Who controls people?

In today's world, human life is rapidly digitizing and the rational use of digital devices greatly facilitates life. However, excessive use of digital devices can deplete the benefits gained, rapidly deplete time and well-being and even lead to technology addiction. Digital devices such as phones, computers, smart devices and gaming consoles have become an integral part of our lives, and spending hours using them has become a normal habit for many people.

Perceiving this abnormal behavior as normal leads many individuals to continue their lives without even realizing they are developing addiction to technology. Technology addiction is the condition where technology controls a person.

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What are the Symptoms of Technology Addiction?

It should cause significant distress and impairment in functionality from a clinical perspective. Some symptoms of technology addiction include:

• Spending hours claiming it's just a few minutes

• Lying about the time spent in front of screens to others

• Complaining about physical problems due to prolonged computer use

• Adopting an anonymous persona, preferring online communication over face-to-face

• Sacrificing meals, classes or appointments to go online

• Feeling guilty when away from the computer but experiencing pleasure and oscillating between these two feelings

• Feeling tense and vacant when away from their computers

• Staying on the computer until late at night

What are the Effects of Technology Addiction?

Technology addiction can lead to increased physical complaints in the social field for individuals. Some of these complaints include:

Physical Complaints

• Burning eyes

• Neck pain and stiffness

• Posture problems

• Numbness in the hands

• Fatigue

Social Complaints

• Decreased academic achievement

• Personal, family and school problems

• Failure in time management

• Sleep disorders

• Lack of appetite

• Decrease in activities

• Isolation except for online friends

+Methods to Control Addiction

• Change daily internet usage hours

• Prepare weekly schedules for internet usage and ensure adherence

• Implement methods such as support groups or family therapy

• Encourage writing activities that the individual wants to do but hasn't found the opportunity for and ask them to do one of those activities when they strongly desire to use the internet

What to Do?

Key points in preventing technology addiction include:

• Directing children to meet their friends naturally and socialize within peer groups

• Directing children to sports that match their talents and interests

• Supporting children's friendships, planning activities that bring them together

• Controlling a child's computer usage and getting to know their online friends

• Ensuring secure internet applications on computers

What Not to Do?

Some points to be careful about in preventing technology addiction are:

• Never using devices like smartphones/tablets to comfort or silence children

• Not allowing children to use the internet without control for an extended period

• Not serving a child in front of a computer during meal and tea times, encouraging them to join you

How Do Green Crescent Counseling Centers Support Technology Addiction?

Green Crescent Counseling Centers provide free support to individuals aged 12 and over to overcome technology addiction. Meetings are held with both the individual and their family. The main goal of these meetings is to reduce smartphone use, online gaming and internet usage to levels that will not adversely affect the individual's life.

"Children or tablets are a good way to keep children busy."

When phones and tablets are used under family control, they benefit your children. However, when used alone for long hours without family control, it can lead to problems such as attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, speech disorders, anger and aggression.

Undoubtedly, reaching the point of addiction does not happen suddenly; it progresses step by step. These steps are serious and important signs that addiction is developing. Therefore, monitoring and controlling these steps are crucial to prevent and stop addiction before it starts.

More Latest News

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Members of the International Federation of Green Crescents (IFGC) participated in the Africa–Asia Drug Prevention and Treatment Summit, held on 27–28 October 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, which aimed to prevent drug use, expand access to treatment, and foster stronger cooperation between the two regions. A dedicated parallel session brought together IFGC representatives from Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania, Türkiye, Uganda, and Jordan, where participants shared insights on community-based, culturally sensitive, and inclusive approaches to substance use prevention and treatment. The session featured Abubakar K. Said and Zakariya Abdirahman Mohamed from the Green Crescent Society Kenya; Bakari Ali Mohammed from the Tanzania Green Crescent Community; Osman Abdi Omar from the Somali Green Crescent Society (SGCS); Phatma Ndahura, Ssendiwala Abdul Rahman, and Male Solomon from the Uganda Green Crescent Society; Ergin Beceren from the IFGC; and Mousa Daoud from The Jordan Anti Drugs Society. The interactive exchange highlighted shared challenges and innovative practices, particularly in improving access to care in underserved areas, developing gender-responsive programs, and supporting nomadic and refugee populations. The session once again reflected IFGC’s strong commitment to fostering collaboration among its members and building sustainable partnerships between Africa and Asia in the global effort to prevent substance use and promote recovery.  

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The International Federation of Green Crescents (IFGC), in collaboration with YEDAM (Green Crescent Counseling Center), organized an international webinar titled “Motivational Interviewing in Addiction Recovery: YEDAM’s Psychosocial Approach” on November 6, 2025. The one-hour interactive session brought together participants from across the world to exchange knowledge and experiences on the role of motivational interviewing in addiction recovery. Throughout the webinar, YEDAM Psychologist İrem Dönmez provided an in-depth overview of how motivational interviewing techniques can strengthen communication with clients, address field-related challenges, and enhance psychosocial support through evidence-based approaches. Conducted entirely in English with simultaneous French interpretation, the session also featured practical examples and case discussions contributed by Country Green Crescents, fostering a rich and collaborative learning environment. The webinar was moderated by Dr. Balqis Binti Muhamad Kasim, Secretary General of Pertubuhan Bulan Sabit Hijau Malaysia (Malaysia Green Crescent), ensuring a dynamic and engaging discussion throughout the session. Participants actively contributed through Q&A and open discussion segments, exchanging experiences and perspectives from their respective countries while exploring shared challenges and collaborative solutions.

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The Second World Summit for Social Development, held on 5 November 2025 in Doha, Qatar under the auspices of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), brought together global leaders and experts to discuss inclusive and sustainable development. Among the distinguished participants was Amb. Dr. Mehmet Güllüoğlu, Secretary-General of the International Federation of Green Crescents (IFGC) and Vice President of the Turkish Green Crescent Society. During the summit, Amb. Dr. Güllüoğlu delivered a two-minute intervention at the physical event organized by the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Family and Social Services. In his remarks, he emphasized the central role of the family in preventing addiction and strengthening social resilience. Dr. Güllüoğlu underlined that “behind every resilient individual stands a strong and caring family,” describing the family as society’s most powerful protector. He highlighted the Turkish Green Crescent’s family-centered prevention model, stressing that prevention begins at home—with informed parents, connected families, and supportive communities. Addressing the challenges posed by digitalization, migration, and economic pressures, he called for holistic policy approaches that reinforce family well-being, emotional connection, and healthy digital habits. In addition to his in-person contribution, Amb. Dr. Güllüoğlu participated in an online session, titled “Addressing the Economic and Social Costs of Addiction for Inclusive and Sustainable Development.” The session gathered international experts and partner organizations working in addiction prevention and social policy. The session featured speakers including Mehmet Fatih Kılıç (Ministry of Family and Social Services, Republic of Türkiye), Yasmine Sabih (Al Najm), Matej Košir (UTRIP Institute), George Ochieng Odalo (Slum Child Foundation), and Michael Dean (Community Alliances for Drug-Free Youth – CADFY). They discussed the complex economic and social impacts of addiction, emphasizing the need for stronger, coordinated global action and sharing practical strategies to address these challenges. In his contribution, Dr. Güllüoğlu emphasized that addiction must be addressed not only as a health concern but also as a major social and economic challenge affecting productivity, social cohesion, and sustainable development. He reaffirmed the IFGC’s commitment to fostering global partnerships that promote preventive education, community resilience, and inclusive policies aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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