Educational Lecture Series: “Challenges of Growing Up in Modern Society

Dubrovnik Libraries are organizing a series of five educational workshops entitled Challenges of Growing Up in Modern Society, led by social worker and Gestalt psychotherapist Marko Grgurević. The series begins on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Lapad Branch Library (Atlant Centre, 1st floor) and will take place once a week, with each session lasting 90 minutes. Through five thematic sessions, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by children, young people and adults, as well as practical tools for recognizing difficulties and maintaining mental well-being. The first workshop will introduce participants to the concepts of growing up and psychological maturation, exploring the potential consequences when these developmental processes are disrupted. The second session will examine how screen use, particularly through digital technologies such as smartphones, tablets and computers, can contribute to a range of social and developmental challenges. Particular attention will be given to measures that can help prevent or reduce their harmful effects on children and young people. The third session will focus on mental health difficulties and psychological disorders that may develop during the process of growing up, as well as approaches to treatment and professional support. Building directly on this topic, the fourth workshop will explore how difficulties in the maturation process may contribute to the development of addictive behaviours and addiction disorders, with a particular emphasis on prevention. The series will conclude with a fifth session examining how these challenges can affect interpersonal relationships, with particular attention to aggressive and violent behaviour. The aim of the final workshop is to contribute to violence prevention, equip participants with effective and constructive communication skills, and introduce appropriate monitoring and intervention measures that support healthy development. The programme is designed to contribute to improving quality of life within the community and to encourage individuals to seek professional support in a timely manner. All those interested in participating can register by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..