"Children who spend more than 2 hours per day in front of screens are at a higher risk of developing emotional and behavioral problems" a new research from American Psychological Association (APA, 2025) claims. The WHO, on the other hand, highlights the impact of social media on young people, noting exposure to illegal activities such as cyberbullying, violence, pornography, gambling, and others. In the digital era, adolescents spend more time interacting with screens and less time playing outdoors, reading books, or communicating with peers. The link between screen exposure and emotional, mental, and social difficulties is more than obvious “Screen kids” grow up acquiring their basic life knowledge and skills through communication with the screen. This behavior often transfers into the later stages of life, when young people prefer the online environment over opportunities offered by real life. Therefore, professionals working with children and adolescents must provide not only psychological and personal support but also a set of alternative activities to the digital world. They need to be able to reach these children by stimulating their creativity and desire for upskilling. The implementation of this project stems from the need to further develop youth workers’ competences in supporting the specific needs of “screen kids”. Through international cooperation and educational mobility, the participating organisations will enhance the quality of their work, supporting the socialization and personal adaptation of young people as a whole. The project will provide knowledge and skills with a focus on outdoor activities, while also acknowledging the opportunities of the digital environment. The main objective of the project “Screen Kids – Green Kids” is to strengthen the professional skills and competences of 35 youth workers from 7 European countries to effectively work with “screen kids” — children who spend the majority of their free time in front of screens and electronic devices, thereby increasing their risk of social exclusion. The training course will provide opportunities for both educational and professional development of the participants, while also increasing the capacity of the participating organisations to address a growing and unpredictable social phenomenon. By using non-formal learning methods and encouraging the active involvement of youth workers, the mobility will offer innovative solutions to “get young people outside”. Specific objectives of the project: Developing approaches for identifying and intervening with screen-dependent children According to a meta-analysis by the APA (2025), excessive screen time correlates with anxiety, depression, aggression, low self-esteem, and hyperactivity. The connection is twofold — children with emotional difficulties often turn to screens as a coping mechanism. Therefore, media literacy, active citizenship, and related themes will be key priorities in this part of the project. Applying innovative methods and tools in working with screen kids (digital and ecological) The training will provide non-formal methods for timely support and reduction of risky behaviors. Approaches such as eaSEL (social-emotional learning through digital content), Forest bathing (developing a therapeutic connection with nature), and others will be introduced. Strengthening capacity to work with young people with fewer opportunities Many children who spend excessive time in front of screens come from vulnerable groups (migrants, rural areas, lowincome families) and face a higher risk of social isolation and emotional barriers. Training on inclusiveness and integration in youth work will be a priority of the project. Field observations will enhance participants’ capacity by showcasing working models for dissemination. Exchange of good practices Within the training course, through peer-learning seminars, participants from the 7 countries will exchange strategies to reduce screen time, encourage outdoor free play, and introduce creative activities. Afternoon sessions will allow them to apply the acquired knowledge and skills in real-life settings. Developing a “green screens” model The project will elaborate a concept of “green screens”, where the screen is not rejected but transformed — used consciously and moderately for education, social activity, and sustainable development. At the same time, the symbolic “green screen” of nature is emphasized — the real environment that children can observe, touch, and experience as an alternative to the digital world. The balance between screens and nature is of exceptional importance when working with children and young people. The project “Screen Kids – Green Kids” combines digital and natural elements to create a balanced model that can be replicated in different organisations. The results of the activities will serve as a sustainable methodology for youth workers across Europe, offering alternatives to passive screen time.