The main objective of the project was to empower youth workers and young people to better understand and counteract the effects of digital distraction, with a focus on attention, emotional awareness, and goal-setting. The project aimed to: - Develop and provide a pedagogically sound and accessible training model for youth workers - Offer young people practical tools to improve focus, regulate screen time, and reconnect with intrinsic motivation - Promote emotional resilience and self-reflection through creative, non-formal learning formats - Raise awareness of the attention crisis as a structural and social issue, not just a personal weakness - Provide open educational resources (OER) that are freely available and adaptable across youth work contexts By implementing these objectives, the project sought to close a gap in youth work practice and strengthen the ability of professionals to guide young people toward healthier and more intentional digital lives.
The project “Find Focus – Find You” addressed a pressing need observed across all partner organizations: the growing inability of young people to focus, regulate emotions, and stay motivated due to constant digital distraction. Youth workers reported increasing difficulties engaging young people meaningfully. Screen time, anxiety, lack of concentration, and emotional overload had become common, especially in post-pandemic contexts. At the same time, professionals lacked structured tools to tackle these challenges in a relatable and effective way. The project responded to this need by developing a practical and engaging educational model that helps young people reflect on their digital habits, build focus, and set meaningful goals. Youth workers were equipped with high-quality content, creative methods, and flexible workshop formats. The concept was inspired by recent findings from psychology and digital wellbeing research, including insights from Stolen Focus by Johann Hari. By translating these insights into non-formal education formats, the project filled a gap in existing youth work practice and contributed to stronger digital resilience among young people.