The first field activity of the international project, supported by the German National Agency and aiming to strengthen young people's wellbeing in the digital world, was successfully carried out in the city of Cologne.

Within the scope of the Erasmus+ KA210 Youth Project titled "Digital Wellbeing: DigiLife Platform to Increase Physical and Mental Resilience," implemented in partnership with the Science Education Culture Research Center Association (BEKAM) and coordinated by the US Academics Platform (USAP e.V.), the first international program was held in Cologne, Germany, between 3–7 July 2026. Brought to life through multinational cooperation, this significant initiative aims to develop innovative mechanisms that will enhance the physical and mental resilience of younger generations in digital environments.

COMMON VISION AND AREAS OF WORK

During the project's first international meeting, representatives of the partner organizations came together to clarify the overall framework and implementation steps of the comprehensive activities to be carried out in the field of digital wellbeing. Throughout the program, participants were provided with informative presentations covering the project's main objectives, timeline, and technical details regarding the planned online "DigiLife" platform. The effects of the rapid development of technology on young people were discussed, and new approaches to supporting digital wellbeing within modern civil society initiatives were explored.

INTERACTIVE WORKSHOPS

In order to ensure the active participation of attendees during the implementation phase, interactive group workshops were organized using the station model. During these workshops, the risk factors that young people encounter on the internet and social media platforms, along with the negative effects of these risks on physical health and psychological resilience, were comprehensively analyzed. In these sessions, where the guidance tools needed by youth workers were identified, the main content headings that will form the backbone of the digital platform were also determined one by one. In particular, in-depth evaluations were conducted under critical topics such as digital addiction, cyberbullying, misinformation, the security of personal data, and digital privacy, and strategic steps for the future were identified.

VISITS TO CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS

As part of the program in Cologne, institutional visits were also paid to various civil society organizations actively engaged in youth work in the city. During these meetings, the organizations' experiences in the field of digital wellbeing were shared, and ideas were exchanged regarding the inclusiveness of the DigiLife platform to be developed. The recommendations presented by civil society representatives laid the groundwork for the project to produce concrete and measurable outcomes.

FUTURE OBJECTIVES

In the final part of the program, the technical and content-oriented roadmap of the DigiLife platform was evaluated in detail. The production processes and division of responsibilities for rich content types, including training modules, guidance documents, solution cards inspired by real-life cases, short informative videos, and podcast broadcasts, were planned. In light of the outcomes achieved during the Cologne meeting, preparations have already begun for the second international activity of the project, based on the jointly established work schedule.