Project
Why TechWell Project?
The prevalence of technology addiction has emerged as a global concern of increasing significance in recent years. This phenomenon is observed across a diverse spectrum of socioeconomic groups, especially among younger population.
The harmful use of technology and its negative effects on young people have also found their way into EU documents. The European Parliament's report, published in 2019, focuses directly on this issue, defines the problem and proposes solutions. As mentioned in the relevant report, the proposed solutions include "promoting and disseminating applied research and information on responsible internet use and prevention" and "promoting and educating on online and offline health behaviours in young populations" (European Parliament, 2019).
The Technological Wellness Among Young People (TechWell) Project aims to address this issue by offering an innovative training programme.
Aims
The fundamental basis for this project proposal rests on three empirical reasons;
- Assessing the causes and consequences of smartphone addiction among high school students
- Combating problematic smartphone usage
- Increasing awareness among young people about smartphone addiction
Within the scope of the project, a total of 1080 students will be reached in two pilot trainings. By doing so, in the selection of high school students for the pilot test, the economic, cultural and social inclusion and diversity of students will be ensured.
The fact that the pilot training will be implemented in three different countries, namely Türkiye, France and Italy is another factor that supports inclusiveness and diversity. Thanks to the pilot training to be implemented in different regions of Europe, regions that are not included in the project will be able to adapt the content of the training after the project.
TechWell Project is founded on three key reasons: Investigating the causes and effects of smartphone addiction among young people (developing a scientifically-based methodology, conducting desk research, and performing in-depth interviews); addressing problematic smartphone use, and raising awareness about smartphone addiction among stakeholders.
Funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union and administered by the Turkish National Agency (Ulusal Ajans) and leaded by the Istanbul Technical University; TechWell has an interdisciplinary research team which consists of experts in the technological field, psychologists, educators well as economists from different parts of Europe. Our academic and civil society partners will be responsible for academic research, curriculum design and implementation of the pilot training on awareness raising on technology addiction among young people:
ISTANBUL TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY, Türkiye (Project Leader)
UNIVERSITE PARIS XII VAL DE MARNE, France
UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI PADOVA, Italy
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF TÜRKİYE (GENÇ BAŞARI EĞİTİM VAKFI), Türkiye
IASIS, Greece
GOVERNORSHIP OF ISTANBUL, Türkiye will facilitate access of the Project target group (youth, schools, teachers, parents and other stakeholders) to Project outcomes and materials.
Yeniden Association, Türkiye
ACT KNOW, Türkiye, is responsible for the Project communication and dissemination.