DIGITAL FITNESS

A HEALTHY APPROACH TO SCREEN TIME
ENGAGE MINDFULLY, DISCONNECT TO RECONNECT
digital-fitnes-project-background

PROJECT BACKGROUND

In recent years, the escalation in digital device usage has sparked significant concerns regarding the physical and mental health of individuals, particularly among European youth. The convenience and connectivity offered by these devices have unfortunately paved the way for excessive screen time, leading to a range of health issues such as poor posture, eye strain, and disrupted sleep patterns. Furthermore, the omnipresence of social media and online content has been linked to increased feelings of loneliness and anxiety.

Statistics from the European Commission's Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) for 2020

Statistics from the European Commission’s Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) for 2020 reveal that a substantial portion of Europeans spend extensive hours online, with 42% logging more than 20 hours per week, and 19% exceeding 30 hours. Moreover, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly accelerated digital dependence, making digital devices central to work, education, and social interactions. This shift has heightened concerns about the adverse effects of such reliance, especially the risk of screen addiction.

> 20 hours per week
0 %
> 30 hours per week
0 %
statistics-european-commission

Project dedicated to promoting healthier

This project recognizes the urgency of these issues and is dedicated to promoting healthier and more active digital habits among the youth. By fostering awareness and encouraging physical activities, we aim to mitigate the risks associated with digital overuse and enhance the overall well-being of Europe’s younger generations.

digital-fitnes-project-objective

PROJECT OBJECTIVE

  • Increase awareness about the importance of balancing screen time with physical activity and a healthy lifestyle
  • Create and distribute digital resources and tools that support physical activity and healthy habits. These tools will be primarily designed for sports coaches, fitness instructors, young people and their families through our Digital Fitness platform
  • Provide specialized training and ongoing support for sports coaches, fitness instructors, physical education teachers, educators, and youth workers to help them incorporate digital fitness strategies into their interactions with young people
  • Through participation in the project, young people will develop social and intercultural competences, improve their critical thinking skills, and enhance their media literacy
  • Foster ethics and active citizenship in lifelong learning, emphasizing the importance of participating in democratic life and promoting social and civic engagement
  • Increase understanding and appreciation of the European Union’s cultural identity and heritage, and promote awareness of common EU values, principles of unity, diversity and the significance of participating in the European community

PROJECT ACTIVITIES

  • Coordination meeting, Budapest
  •  Research and needs assessment through offline and online activities (focus group, survey)
  •  Training course – pilot testing, Serbia
  •  Final meeting & Conference

IMPACT AND BENEFITS

The Digital Fitness project is designed to deliver immediate benefits to its participants, their respective organizations, and the broader community. Here are the expected short-term effects:

Conduct comprehensive assessments in each partner country to gather insights on the current digital health status among young people and the broader youth community

Engage 100 young individuals, 50 sports coaches and fitness instructors, along with 20 youth workers in educational programs and activities, focusing on cultivating healthy digital habits and integrating physical activity with digital health awareness

Engage with 15 digital health experts and sports organizations to co-develop the Digital Fitness program, ensuring that the program is precisely tailored and highly responsive to the specific needs of our target audience

Enhance awareness and understanding among all participants regarding the importance of managing screen time and adopting a healthy approach to digital device usage

Enhance the capabilities of sports coaches, fitness instructors, young people, their families and educators in digital fitness by providing them with practical tools and methodologies aiming to effectively promote digital health across these key groups

Noticeable improvements in the physical and mental health of young people, resulting from increased physical activity and better management of digital engagement.

Boost engagement and participation in physical and social activities among young people, fostering a more active and interconnected community.

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