Youth Exchange Digital Detox

We're proud to announce that Vidin Fund has achieved, marking a significant milestone in our commitment to youth development and international cooperation. This journey recognizes our expertise in creating high-quality mobility experiences and enhances our capacity to offer valuable opportunities for young people in our region.

As part of our accredited activities, we've successfully implemented three impactful projects. Today, we're highlighting our "Digital Detox" Youth Exchange, a timely initiative addressing the challenges of the digital age.

The Digital Detox Youth Exchange, held from June 2-11, 2024, brought together 24 young people aged 15-26 from various European countries. This project aimed to address the growing concern of excessive digital device usage among youth. Our objectives were to raise awareness about the impacts of excessive screen time, develop strategies for maintaining a healthy online-offline balance, reconnect participants with nature, and foster intercultural dialogue on digital habits across Europe.

Throughout the exchange, participants engaged in a variety of activities designed to challenge their relationship with technology. Interactive workshops on digital wellbeing were complemented by nature-based team-building exercises and cultural exchange sessions conducted without digital devices. A key output of the project was the collaborative development of a "Digital Wellbeing Videos and Posters ," a resource created by young people, for young people.

Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed a newfound awareness of their digital habits and reported feeling better equipped to maintain a healthy balance between their online and offline lives. The project seemed to ignite a genuine appreciation for face-to-face communication and outdoor activities among the participants.

The impact of the Digital Detox project extends far beyond its duration. Many participants have say that they become ambassadors for digital wellbeing in their home communities. The peer support network continues to provide ongoing support for young people navigating the complexities of the digital world.

While the project was largely successful, it wasn't without its challenges. Initially, some participants struggled to fully engage with the 'digital detox' concept, highlighting the deep-rooted nature of digital habits in today's youth. This experience provided us with valuable insights that will inform our strategies for future projects addressing similar themes.

The Digital Detox Youth Exchange exemplifies Vidin Fund's commitment to addressing contemporary youth issues through innovative, experiential learning opportunities. As we continue our Erasmus+ journey, we look forward to building on this success and creating more impactful experiences for young people in our region and across Europe.

Find More Videos Form the Project Here