Capacity Building project targeted to the promotion of healthy digital habits among young people. The goal is to make this group aware of the potential dangers of making an excessive use of digital devices, such as psychological disorders (e.g., eating disorders and depression). The project will contribute to increasing the quality, innovation and recognition of youth work, supporting the sharing of methods to address the opportunities and implications of digitalization.

“Becoming Digitally Conscious” is a Capacity Building project targeted to the promotion of healthy digital habits among young people (between 18 and 25 years old) living in the European and Western Balkans area. European society is progressively incorporating digital devices in all areas of life, which is leading to the spread of pathological internet use. Research on the topic has concluded that individuals that suffer from PIU deal with symptoms consistent with gambling or drug abuse, for example, lack of sleep, poor nutrition and neglection of offline relationships. The prevalence of digital addiction among European partner countries is 4,8% in Germany, 1,2% in Italy and 1,1% in Cyprus. When it comes to the Western Balkans area, the situation does not get better. 33% of adolescents in Albania and 30% in Bosnia are at risk of becoming internet abusers. In a study conducted in Montenegro, 36% of youngsters consulted stated checking Facebook almost every hour and 40% almost every other hour. Thus, data confirms what the European Parliament has stated that it is necessary to “Promote and educate on online and offline health behaviors in young populations” (“Harmful internet use” briefing). With the development of non-formal tools that support youth workers in the promotion of digital competencies, we hope to make young people aware of the potential dangers of making excessive use of digital devices, and how incorporating physically active and expressive activities in their routines can reduce their screen time and benefit their mental health and overall wellbeing.