“Beyond Pixels: Mental Health in a Digital World”

This Erasmus+ youth exchange will take place in Puerto de Mazarrón, Spain, in May 2026, with a preparatory visit scheduled for March 2026. The project brings together five European countries, each sending seven participants (five young people aged 16–22 and two youth leaders), targeting youth from rural areas, with fewer opportunities, disabilities, or high exposure to digital devices and social media.

The primary aim is to explore the impact of excessive screen time on mental health and to promote strategies for healthy digital habits, emotional wellbeing, and resilience. Through dynamic, non-formal educational methods, participants will engage in workshops, roleplays, debates, group reflections, and creative activities. Morning sessions are designed as energizers to stimulate engagement, while afternoon workshops focus on practical skills, mental health awareness, and collaborative projects.

Evenings will feature intercultural sessions, allowing each country to present its culture, traditions, music, and cuisine, fostering intercultural understanding and European citizenship. Outdoor and nature-based activities encourage participants to disconnect from devices, develop social skills, and strengthen group cohesion.

Key expected results include increased awareness of mental health issues, improved coping strategies, enhanced digital balance, and the creation of a youth-friendly guide with practical tips for managing screen use. Participants will also develop leadership, communication, and teamwork skills, while partner organizations strengthen their networks and share best practices in youth work.

This project emphasizes inclusion and equality, ensuring that young people with fewer opportunities or disabilities are fully supported. By combining mental health education with creative expression and intercultural exchange, the program empowers participants to make informed choices regarding technology, wellbeing, and social interaction, fostering positive lifelong habits.

Behind the Screen, Inside the Mind is designed not only to benefit participants directly but also to have a wider impact through dissemination activities, such as local presentations, social media campaigns, and shared educational materials, inspiring communities and youth organizations across Europe.