As part of the project Keeping IT Up to Date, the eponymous educational conference was held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the Algebra HUB premises in Zagreb.
The event was aimed at parents, professionals, and associations actively considering children’s safety in the digital environment.
The conference brought together experts in psychology, education, and parenting practice, who shared knowledge and experiences about responsible parenting in the digital age through panel discussions and practical examples.
Participants included discussing the recognition of cyberbullying and common parental misconceptions, presenting digital tools for child protection and sharing everyday parental tips for maintaining digital balance. Robo Brač association, who presented good practice examples from STEM environments.
The conference was moderated by Ida Prester, musician and activist, who warmly and humorously opened and led the discussion on the challenges of modern parenting.
During the event, the brochure Keeping IT Up to Date was also presented — a practical guide for parents containing recommendations, experiences, and QR codes for further learning and exploration.
In parallel with the conference, children’s workshops were held: For children aged 7 to 12, a creative workshop titled Imagination Bigger Than the Screen was led by Martina Šarić, alongside STEM workshops organized by the RoboZebra and Robokacije associations, and the theatrical performance The Princess’s Book by Credo Theatre. Children had the opportunity to express themselves through visual arts, origami, and symbolic messages about the value of books, play, and imagination compared to screens.
This conference was the concluding event of the Keeping IT Up to Date project, which, supported by the Ministry of Demography and Migration, also included educational workshops and a media campaign aimed at empowering parents’ digital competencies and preventing electronic violence among children and youth.
The cost of vacationing on the Croatian Coast for Large Families
In other news, the Argumenti show on Catholic Radio titled “How to Plan a Summer vacation in Croatia and Is the Croatian Coast Becoming Too Expensive?”, hosted Durđica Mostarčić, Vice President of the Association Obitelj 3plus, to speak about family vacations from the perspective of large families on Thursday, June 5, 2025.
Mostarčić emphasized that large families need to plan their summer vacations much earlier, often at the beginning of the calendar year—not only due to costs but also because of the lack of adequate offers. “Accommodation options for two adults and four children almost don’t exist, while finding lodging for six adults is still relatively easy,” she warned.
Association Obitelj 3plus continuously advocates for visibility and support for large families, highlighting that the country has no future without children. “If we all turn towards solutions instead of obstacles, society as a whole can grow—both in numbers and in relationships,” she stated.
She placed special emphasis on the fact that the average Croatian family is economically limited: more than 50% of families live on a median salary of around 1,300 euros, while a week-long summer vacation for a large family today often exceeds 2,000 euros. This leaves no room for spontaneity—or for moving beyond the fundamental dilemma: surviving or living.
The association cooperates with numerous partners who, through discount programs and benefits, try to provide families with more affordable options, but systemic changes are still lacking.
The show also featured Ives Vodanović Lukić from the Institute for Tourism and Father Mislav Skelin from SKAC Palmi, who presented aspects of cultural, religious, and creative tourism, as well as new trends: tourists increasingly seek meaning, connection, and contribution to the local community—not just “another experience.”
“Where children go now, they will go as adults too. Tourism is built long-term—with families.”