Recent studies show that excessive and unbalanced use of digital technologies—particularly social media, instant messaging, and online content—has a growing impact on young people’s mental health. Rising levels of anxiety, stress, lack of concentration, cyberbullying, sleep disorders, and social isolation are increasingly observed among students. Moreover, many adolescents struggle to recognise their emotions, communicate effectively, and build authentic relationships.

In an era where young people’s lives are deeply intertwined with the digital world, the WISE-UP – Wellness Integration and Smart Education for Understanding and Prevention project offers a concrete and innovative response to the emerging challenges of mental health and digital well-being in schools.

Funded by the Erasmus+ Programme under the call ERASMUS-EDU-2024-POL-EXP-DIGITAL, WISE-UP aims to build a bridge between digital education and mindfulness, helping students and teachers live technology in a more conscious, balanced, and healthy way.

The project spans three years and brings together a broad European partnership of schools, training providers, universities, mindfulness experts, and public institutions across six countries: Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Greece, and Türkiye.

WISE-UP responds to these warning signs through an integrated educational approach: enhancing digital awareness and critical thinking, while strengthening emotional resilience and self-regulation through mindfulness practices adapted to the school context.