Social Media and Online Networking Platforms have now completely invaded and permeated the life of every individual, and especially of teenagers and young people, with all the dangers this entails for their psychological well-being, for the development of a normal and healthy social and community life, and for their privacy. Recent interviews with young people conducted in Greece, Italy, Spain, Germany, Belgium, France, and other European countries have revealed multiple upsets and problems: lack of sleep, apathy, and a sense of disconnect when not using the apps, signs of depression, not to mention safety issues like internet bullying between peers, online grooming, hateful speech or shaming on social media.
Erasmediah project’s starting point has been the recollection of information by partner organisations, but especially discussion among them which followed direct observation by their professionals and youth workers of the problems teenagers are facing while using social media. Due to alarming news and information collected in the 6 partner countries about mental health consequences of social media hyperconnectivity, prolonged use of video games, participation on dangerous online competitions, cyberbullying, and on the dangers and issues arising from it, the Consortium came up with the idea for this project.
Having also observed how difficult it is for youth workers to manage these topics – even if informally – with their target groups, the Consortium has considered the importance to take a step towards the training and upskilling of youth workers and educators, in order to make an effort to empower and help future generations navigating the online networking environment with better instruments, increased awareness and critical attitude.