Screen Detoxification

Project Reference: 2024-1-EL02-KA152-YOU-000240039

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Summary

Objectives

The main objective of the “Screen Detoxification” project was to promote digital well-being and reduce screen dependency among young people through experiential learning and peer-to-peer engagement. We aimed to empower participants to become more aware of their digital habits, develop healthier relationships with technology, and explore the physical, emotional, and social consequences of excessive screen use.

Through a combination of non-formal education methods, outdoor activities, and group reflection, the project sought to:
•    Encourage participants to disconnect from screens and reconnect with themselves, others, and their surroundings;
•    Promote mental and physical health by exploring the impact of screen overuse on well-being;
•    Foster essential life skills such as emotional intelligence, communication, collaboration, and mindfulness;
•    Inspire young people to take an active role in their communities by creating awareness campaigns and peer detox plans;
•    Reinforce positive attitudes toward Erasmus+ opportunities and promote international youth mobility as a space for meaningful human connection beyond digital devices.

The project responded to growing concerns about screen addiction among youth and aimed to create a cultural shift toward more conscious technology use, supporting the development of more resilient, connected, and balanced individuals.

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Activities

The “Screen Detoxification” project consisted of two main activities: a Preparatory Visit and a five-day Youth Exchange hosted in Kalamata, Greece.

•    The Preparatory Visit (APV) brought together the people from the partner organizations, responsible for the preparation of the participants. The meeting lasted for 2 days, during which the participants had the opportunity to review and finalise the daily programme, be informed about the practicalities and logistics, clarify roles and responsibilities, as well as visit all the places where activities could take place. The preparatory visit contributed greatly to the creation of a comfortable, collaborative environment between the group leaders, which in turn contributed to the final successful implementation of the youth exchange.

•    The Youth Exchange gathered 25 young people (aged 18–30) and 5 group leaders—one group from each participating country. More than half of the participants and one of the group leaders were young people with fewer opportunities, selected through inclusive and transparent procedures. The group included individuals who were highly connected to digital devices in their daily life, and others already interested in digital well-being and mental health.

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During the exchange, participants engaged in a structured but diverse programme that included outdoor activities, mindfulness and self-awareness exercises, simulation games, and reflective group work. They explored the physical and psychological effects of screen overuse, practiced digital detox strategies, and strengthened interpersonal and intercultural connections without the use of screens.

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One of the highlights of the exchange was the creation of peer-to-peer detox plans—short guides designed by participants to help other young people reduce their screen time. Another key moment was the design and delivery of activities in collaboration with a local high school, where the participants implemented interactive workshops with 45 Greek students. This outreach not only reinforced the project’s message but also extended its impact to the wider local community.
 

​Results and Impact

The “Screen Detoxification” project achieved meaningful results on both personal and community levels, contributing to increased awareness, behavior change, and youth empowerment around the topic of digital well-being.

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At the individual level, participants reported a stronger sense of self-awareness regarding their digital habits. Through the combination of experiential learning, outdoor activities, and mindfulness exercises, they were able to reflect critically on their screen use and recognize its impact on their physical, mental, and social health. Many expressed a renewed appreciation for offline activities and interpersonal connections, and left the project with concrete tools to implement healthier routines in their daily lives.

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The impact extended beyond the core group of participants through the outreach activity at the local high school. By designing and implementing activities for 45 local students, the participants applied what they had learned and practiced their facilitation and communication skills. This activity amplified the reach of the project, sparked reflection among the local youth, and created an intergenerational dialogue about screen habits and digital balance.

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From an organisational perspective, the project strengthened the cooperation between partners, improved their capacity to work on digital well-being topics, and renewed their motivation to organize youth exchanges. The involvement of youth workers in both the preparatory and implementation phases led to increased competence in designing impactful educational experiences and supporting young people with fewer opportunities.

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Finally, the project reignited interest in Erasmus+ youth mobility. Many participants were first-time travelers or new to the Erasmus programme. The positive experience of real-life exchange and human connection inspired them to seek out future opportunities and to promote Erasmus+ in their local contexts.

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Overall, the project empowered young people to take control of their digital habits, fostered a stronger sense of presence and connection, and contributed to a broader cultural shift toward conscious and balanced technology use.​​​​​​​​​​

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Watch the videos of the activity here:

Day 01: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1160789202086345

Day 02:  https://www.facebook.com/cultimulti/videos/3019482298220114

Day 03: https://www.facebook.com/cultimulti/videos/1836719973743739

Day 04: https://www.facebook.com/cultimulti/videos/2099976487101453

Day 05: https://www.facebook.com/cultimulti/videos/1279268323166066

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This project is been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained there in.