In addition to globalization and urbanization which have significantly impacted the foundation of human life digitalization has now emerged as a transformative force. Information and communication technologies have rapidly become an unstoppable force, influencing nearly every aspect of modern life, from economies to societies and cultures, and shaping our daily lives. Internet and mobile communication technologies, which now define the individual lifestyles of children (students), have integrated into life not only with their positive and beneficial aspects, but also with many unforeseen and detrimental consequences. Digital technologies have become an irreversible reality of our lives.
As also stated in various national and international studies and academic publications, we are experiencing significant challenges in our school related to technology addiction, digital dependency, and cyberbullying. In response to this problem, a group of teachers and students came together to develop a project aimed at finding practical and sustainable solutions for our school and our students.
Through this project, we aimed not only to encourage international cooperation but also to raise awareness among our school community students, teachers, parents, and the local environment—about the risks of digital addiction and ways to combat cyberbullying. In addition, through this transnational collaboration, we sought to improve language skills, promote tolerance, combat racism and xenophobia, and foster the adoption of a shared European identity and values. Sustainability was ensured by involving all educational stakeholders in the project outcomes.
Our concrete and intangible objectives included:
- Informing at least 90% of our students about digital addiction and cyberbullying through trained teachers.
- Reaching at least 30% of parents to raise their awareness and competence on digital addiction and cyberbullying through parent training activities
conducted by trained staff.
- Improving the foreign language proficiency of our teachers, particularly in communication. Specifically, we aimed to increase the number of teachers holding an A1-level English certificate from 20% to 45%, expanding their vocabulary and enabling them to experience the EU’s linguistic diversity.
To ensure a successful implementation process, we carried out a wide range of activities shaped according to our project’s scope, objectives, and needs analysis.
During the project, we implemented four Learning, Teaching, and Training Activities (LTTAs):
- LTTA 1 – The Risks Awaiting Students in Relation to Digital Game Addiction (Türkiye)
- LTTA 2 – Internet of Things (Italy)
- LTTA 3 – Mobile Communication Technologies and the Internet Environment (Coordinated by Türkiye – Virtual Exchange Activity)
- LTTA 4 – Coping Strategies for Digital Addiction and Cyberbullying (Poland)
In addition to the LTTAs, each partner school organized parent information meetings, press briefings, expert guest speaker sessions, surveys, and various student-led activities under the “Digital Awareness Club”.
- 96% of school staff were informed about digital addiction and cyberbullying using the knowledge, skills, and experiences gained during the project.
- 92% of students were educated on these topics by the teachers who participated in the project activities.
- Training sessions on digital addiction and cyberbullying reached 35% of parents to enhance their awareness and digital competencies.
- A “Digital Awareness Club” was established within the school, with approximately 10% of the student body actively participating. Activities listed in the club’s annual calendar were successfully implemented.
- A dedicated project website was launched to disseminate project activities and outputs.
- The number of teachers holding an A1-level English certificate increased from 20% to 35%.
- Teachers engaged in intercultural learning experiences by meeting colleagues from different European countries, which helped establish networks for future international cooperation. As a result, a new Erasmus+ project proposal was submitted with our European partners.