Science Talk with Prof. Dr Melanie Lietz, Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences (Faculty of Health Sciences)
“Gen Z just sits glued to their screens, whilst older people are supposedly technophobic.” Such prejudices shape everyday life in families and schools. But how much truth lies behind these stereotypes, and what does this constant culture war mean for children’s wellbeing?
At the upcoming Science Talk at phaeno Wolfsburg, organised in collaboration with the Volkswagen Group, Prof. Dr Melanie Lietz from Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences will be addressing precisely these questions on Thursday, 12 November 2026, at 6.30 pm.
The focus of the evening will be on a necessary shift in perspective: rather than demonising media across the board or imposing strict screen time limits, the aim is to explore how young and old can learn from one another. When both generations swap their roles as learners and teachers, not only do digital skills grow, but so do relationships and social participation.
As a certified systemic counsellor and professor of early years education and health, Prof. Lietz demonstrates that media consumption never takes place in isolation, in a vacuum. Children are firmly embedded within their family and social systems. Using tangible, everyday examples, she highlights how adults’ behaviour as role models shapes children’s engagement with digital media and where genuine educational opportunities for children’s health lie.
Experience this fascinating talk and the subsequent open discussion first-hand at the phaeno Science Theatre, or follow the event via the YouTube livestream. Admission is free, and afterwards you’ll have the chance to ask the expert your own questions directly.
In thisScience Talk, Prof. Dr Melanie Lietz explores how younger and older users engage with digitalisation. She examines its systemic use and explains why we should not view media consumption in isolation.
In the upcoming Science Talk, we will learn how a role reversal on an equal footing can bring us together across generations.
on Thursday 12 November 2026
at 6.30 pm
at the phaeno Science Theatre; admission is free
The events will be held in a hybrid format, both in person and via a live YouTube stream, to make them accessible to a wider audience of interested people outside the region.
Prof. Dr Melanie Lietz is a professor of early years education, specialising in education and health, at Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences (Faculty of Health Sciences), where she heads the Bachelor’s degree programme in ‘Early Years Education and Health’.
A doctor of educational science and a DGSF-certified systemic counsellor, she combines in-depth research into education and health with practical insights for everyday family life.
