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CTRL+ME -youth reclaiming attention in the digital era

2025-3-DK01-KA152-YOU-0003840222025Mobility of young peopleongoing
Countries: DK|CY|ES|RO|SK · Grant: €49,135
Digital skills and competencesPhysical and mental health, well-beingNew learning and teaching methods and approaches

Objectives

The project addresses a growing challenge faced in youth work practice: the negative impact of constant digital distractions on young people's ability to concentrate, stay motivated, and be present in their daily lives. As youth workers increasingly observe signs of digital fatigue, lack of focus, and reduced attention spans among the young people they support, there is a clear need for tools, strategies, and educational approaches that can empower youth to reclaim their focus and develop digital balance. This project aims to equip both youth and youth workers with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to use technology intentionally and responsibly, rather than being dominated by it. Through youth-led, non-formal activities, participants will explore the effects of technology on their attention and mental well-being, learn techniques to manage distractions, and build habits that promote digital well-being, deep focus, mindfulness, and cognitive skills. The goal is not to reject technology, but to integrate it in a way that supports young people's personal growth, learning, and social connection. This project addresses a growing challenge in youth work: the decline in young people’s ability to concentrate and manage stress, caused by constant digital distractions. Through non-formal education and peer-based methods, the project aims to equip young people with the tools, knowledge, and mindset to reclaim their focus, stay present, and use digital technologies in a balanced and intentional way. It also enhances the capacity of youth workers to support these processes in their everyday work. The objectives are as follows: 1. Raise awareness about the impact of technology on attention Youth will explore how constant connectivity affects their emotions, concentration, and mental well-being. Youth workers will use participatory methods such as storytelling, reflective dialogue, and group discussions to foster empathy, digital self-awareness, and understanding of diverse experiences across cultures. 2. Develop digital literacy and digital skills for real-life needs Participants will learn how to use digital tools critically and effectively—not only to increase productivity and manage time, but also to protect their mental health. Activities will introduce emerging technologies relevant to young people’s personal and professional development, enabling them to navigate the digital world with confidence and autonomy. 3. Improve focus and attention through practical tools and structured methods Through non-formal workshops and youth-led exercises, participants will discover concrete techniques like the Eisenhower Matrix, Pomodoro, deep work and sustained reading strategies. These tools will be adapted to their lifestyle and tested in real time, with support from youth workers trained to facilitate attention-building practices. 4. Promote critical thinking and decision-making skills in the digital environment The project will empower young people to question, reflect, and choose how and when they engage with technology. Workshops on multitasking and critical thinking will include analysis of online content, media literacy, and decision-making exercises that help them build resilience in a fast-paced information landscape. 5. Teach stress management techniques and support emotional well-being Participants will engage in guided mindfulness practices, creative expression, and body-awareness sessions led by youth. These methods will help them cope with anxiety, digital burnout, and internal pressure—while also normalizing conversations about mental health within youth communities. 6. Help young people create their own digital balance strategies Using tools and insights gained during the project, youth will co-create personalized digital balance plans, which they can apply after the exchange. Youth workers will guide this process, offering mentoring and follow-up support in their home countries to ensure long-term impact. 7. Strengthen the role of youth work in promoting presence, focus, and healthy tech use The project will provide youth workers with tested methods and resources to support young people in managing distraction, improving focus, and maintaining digital well-being. These tools will be integrated into the daily practice of participating organizations and shared through the youth friendly Digital Well-being Guide and the project’s digital community.

Project partners (5)