By implementing the project, we wanted students to use digital media more consciously, safely and healthily. Our aim was to make them aware of the risks of excessive and unreflective media use and to provide them with strategies to control screen time more effectively. The participants were expected to learn how to recognise signs of digital dependency, understand the physical and psychological consequences, and develop their own ways towards greater Digital Wellbeing. This included Digital Detox strategies, time management, phone-free times, analogue leisure activities, as well as more physical activity and social encounters in real life. We also wanted to strengthen media literacy, especially in dealing with cyberbullying, data protection, fake news and disinformation. Digital interests were not to be suppressed, but used in meaningful ways, for example through robotics, coding and innovative technologies. Through European cooperation, we wanted to learn from one another, develop joint solutions and foster friendships between young people from different countries. In the long term, the participating students were to act as multipliers.
We applied for this project because we identified similar challenges in dealing with digital media at our school and at our European partner schools. Many students use smartphones, social media, games and other digital services for many hours every day, often unconsciously and without clear time limits. Physical, psychological and social effects became visible: digital fatigue, concentration problems, lack of sleep, eye strain, headaches, neck and back pain, as well as insecurity online. Cyberbullying, disinformation, data protection issues and the fear of missing out when being without a phone or internet connection also played an important role. With the project, we wanted to address these needs and not prohibit media use, but make it more conscious, safer and healthier. The aim was to raise students' awareness of Digital Wellbeing, Digital Detox, media literacy and responsible online behaviour, while at the same time enabling analogue alternatives, social encounters and European cooperation.