Stay healthy and connected to the offline world

Context and backgroundNews of scientific reports state that overall physiological and mental health is an increasing issue in the world. Part of that problem stems from the sedentary lifestyle that has come to be a normal part of our society, and a contributing factor to that sedentary lifestyle is the increased screen usage (particularly mobile devices).MethodologyThis project will focus on the positive health benefits of physical activity to combat a sedentary lifestyle. The method of incorporating physical activity both inside and outside of the classroom will break a sedentary lifestyle pattern and develop healthy habits over time. By backing this method with scientific research on the area alongside self evaluation from the students, this project will raise awareness of both the negative health effects of a sedentary lifestyle as well as the positive psychophysiological benefits of an active lifestyle. The results of which will help combat early school leaving as well as improve student grades.Number and profile of participantsIn total, over the span of 2 years, 160 students aged 12-15 across 5 countries alongside 40 teachers will get the opportunity to participate in the mobility. On top of that during each school visit everyone on the school will be get the chance to take part of the exchange.Objectives of your projectThe main objective is to create a balance between digital technology and psychophysiological well being among students by helping them stay connected to the offline world. The secondary objective is to raise awareness of the negative health effects of the technological advancement as well as combating a sedentary lifestyle in order to achieve a healthier school while, at the same time, creating a positive learning environment for students. Furthermore, the goal of this project is to limit the number of students who drop out of school, due to both physical and mental issues, by increasing their psychophysiological health through practising an innovative and open education adapted to the digital era. Description of activitiesThe planned activities for the different countries will all focus on health and well being, and tackling early school leaving by using open education and innovative practices in the digital era that we currently live in.The first meeting in Spain will focus on effective stress management during the school timetable.The second meeting in Sweden will revolve around how excessive use of mobile phones/screens in general affect the human brain.The third meeting in Croatia will be about the positive impacts of physical activity for health and well being.The fourth meeting in Turkey will incorporate music as an extension of effective stress management.The fifth meeting in Poland will tackle break time activities to exemplify healthier alternatives to staying sedentary with mobile phones or computers.The purpose of the activities leading up to, between, and after the meetings, will be dynamic over the course of the project. Initially these activities will focus on creating a bond between the schools through the use of video presentations alongside a logotype project to further help tie a bond. The questionnaire at the start will include questions about their perceived screen usage, physical activity, and their overall physical and mental health. This will be followed-up with actual measurements of these categories during each mobility session. Towards the end of the project there will be a research topic where students are to compare their spare time activities with those of their parents and grandparents to help bring forth a nuanced discussion on the topic. At the end of the project the participants will evaluate their progress in relation to the project’s goals through both a questionnaire and a video.Results and impact envisagedLess time spent on social media apps, better sleeping habits, increased physical activity, raised awareness of the signs and impacts of Internet addiction, an increased amount of students participating in physical break activities between lessons rather than remaining sedentary, introduction of some teaching-learning activities that are physically demanding, better understanding on how to use digital technology as a tool, and transnational cooperation to combat the raised issues on a broad front.Longer term benefitsEvery year the Fridaskolan school in Trollhättan is organising a field study trip by bus for its final year students. The week's study trip is carried out by bus with visits to historically important sites from World War II and also includes an exchange with another European country. We currently have a cooperation with a school in the Netherlands, but we are looking to further expand our network in the future by continuing our cooperation to include the schools in this project as well.