Disconnect to Reconnect: Participants Explored Healthy Digital Habits

The second day of the Erasmus+ Mobility of Youth Workers project "Don't Get Caught in The Cycle of Addiction!" (Project No. 2023-3-ES02-KA153-YOU-000179486), coordinated by Generaciones Saludables España, continued in Gijón, Spain with a series of practical and awareness-raising activities. Bringing together youth workers from Spain, Türkiye, Latvia, Romania, Bulgaria, Italy, Poland, the Czech Republic, Portugal, and Hungary, the project continued its mission of promoting conscious technology use and developing innovative approaches to preventing technology addiction.

The day began with an interactive forum where participants explored the concept of addiction, the different forms of technology addiction, and their physical, psychological, and social impacts. Through presentations, discussions, and question-and-answer sessions, participants exchanged experiences and reflected on the growing challenges that excessive technology use creates for young people and communities.

The learning experience continued with a digital detox activity, encouraging participants to switch off their mobile devices and reconnect with the real world through sports, physical exercise, and face-to-face interaction. By temporarily stepping away from technology, participants experienced firsthand how offline activities can strengthen social relationships, improve well-being, and promote healthier daily habits.

In the afternoon, participants took their learning beyond the training venue by organizing an awareness campaign on the streets of Gijón. They engaged with local residents, discussed the effects of technology addiction, introduced the Erasmus+ Programme, and collected photographs illustrating how excessive smartphone use influences everyday social life. The activity encouraged meaningful dialogue with the local community while highlighting the importance of maintaining a healthy digital balance.

The day concluded with a reflection session where participants evaluated the activities and shared their feedback. In the evening, the project's intercultural dimension continued with a Cultural Night, during which participants learned traditional songs from different countries, strengthening intercultural dialogue, mutual understanding, and friendship through music.