“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. 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). Considering that virtual reality has become an essential part of young people’s lives (especially during the covid-19 pandemic to study or socialize, which before they did mainly offline), we believe it is important to train them on how to integrate digital devices in a healthy and conscious way.

Through the education of youth workers, the project will contribute to increasing quality, innovation and recognition of youth work, supporting the sharing of methods to address the opportunities and implications of digitalization. Of course, it is as well related to “Addressing digital transformation through development of digital readiness, resilience and capacity” because all major social changes imply some areas of risk that need to be reflected upon to mitigate the issues created (in this case digital addiction). Looking at the Capacity Building Call in particular, the proposal focuses on the thematic area “digital and entrepreneurial skills”. Out of the European Youth Goals under the EU Youth Strategy (2019-2027), we can highlight number 5: “Mental Health & Wellbeing”. We will also contribute to the “Empower” priorities by training Youth Workers and recognizing their abilities to participate in social change and development.

We agree with the European Parliament that it is necessary to “Promote and educate on online and offline health behaviors in young populations” (“Harmful internet use” briefing). In fact, the European Union has been actively concerned about tackling the risks of excessive internet. For example, the European Network for Problematic Usage of the Internet brings together experts from 40 countries to investigate the problem. The World Health Organization has also recognized this issue by saying in relation to digital addiction: “The observed and documented negative health and psychosocial consequences include a range of health conditions that share signs and symptoms with disorders such as gambling disorder and substance use disorders” (Public Health Implication of Excessive Use of the Internet, Computers, Smartphones and Similar Electronic Devices, Meeting Report, WHO, 2014).

With “Becoming Digitally Conscious” we wish to develop non-formal tools that support youth workers in the promotion of digital competences, disseminating at the same time the idea of healthy internet use among the young population in a way that is truly engaging to them, hence through the involvement of their counterparts who see the problem from their same perspective.