Screen-Free Reset: Disconnecting from Technology to Reconnect with Real Life
The Screen-Free Reset project was organized to support young people in re-evaluating their relationships with technology and digital devices, while encouraging them to develop a more balanced lifestyle. As part of the project with reference number 2024-1-IT03-KA152-YOU-000207445, in which we participated as Kicsi Szívek Gyermekoktatási Központ Egyesület, youth addressed the impacts of technology on daily life through various hands-on methods.
Throughout the project, the "Exercise" activities aimed to help participants start their day with physical activity and increase time spent away from technological devices. Thanks to morning workouts, participants made an active and energetic start to their days, while emphasizing the importance of incorporating healthy lifestyle habits into daily routines.
In the "What Happens in the Street?" activity, participants had the opportunity to observe the technology usage habits of people around them and gather data on the topic. This exercise helped the youth evaluate not only their own tech habits but also broader societal digital patterns.
As one of the key educational components of the project, the "Exploring Technology's Impact: Informative Session" addressed the evolution of technology, its impacts on society, and the challenges arising from technology addiction. Alongside the opportunities technology offers, participants learned about the potential consequences of uncontrolled usage on individuals and social life.
The "Disconnect to Reconnect: A Retreat for Reflection" activity aimed to encourage youth to step away from technological devices and engage in more traditional, face-to-face experiences. Centered around the tornet (a traditional wooden push-cart)—a toy that children crafted and played with using their own means during times when technology was less prevalent—this activity demonstrated to participants that creating, having fun, and spending quality time together without digital devices is entirely possible.
As one of the project's creative activities, "Action!" invited participants to draft short theatrical scripts on technology addiction. Working in groups, the youth developed their own scripts, assigned roles, and staged their plays. This creative approach allowed them to examine the effects of technology use on family and friendship dynamics while enhancing their communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and creative skills.
With the "Bringing the Online World Offline" activity, the project's theme was brought to the local community. Through outreach activities conducted with children and parents, participants exchanged ideas on conscious and moderate technology use, supporting children's digital habits, and preventing tech addiction. This event ensured that the project extended beyond the participants to foster awareness within the local community.
During the "Supportive Institution Visit," participants visited Primary School Dante Alighieri in Mirandola to connect with a local institution actively addressing technology addiction. This visit allowed the youth to observe the project topic in a distinct institutional setting and gain new perspectives on how technology use affects children.
The Culture Night and Cultural Tour activities conducted during the project were also key parts of the learning process. During the culture night, participants shared the traditions, cuisines, music, dances, and cultural features of their respective countries, while the cultural tour in Mirandola allowed them to discover the city's historical and cultural heritage. Thus, the work on technology and digital habits was enriched by intercultural learning and social interaction.
Evaluation sessions held at the end of each day enabled participants to review their key takeaways from the activities. Utilizing various evaluation and self-expression methods encouraged the youth to share their experiences and recognize their personal growth throughout the project.
Taken together, Screen-Free Reset went beyond simply telling young people to reduce screen time. The project aimed to empower youth to manage their technology use consciously, dedicate more time to physical activity and face-to-face communication, nurture their creativity, and discover the value of time spent away from screens through firsthand experience.
