Reflecting on an 18-Month Journey Towards Youth Digital Wellbeing

Budapest Association for International Sports (BAIS) recently participated in the final conference of the “Digital Fitness: A Healthy Approach to Screen Time” (DiFit) project, hosted by our esteemed partner Copenhagen Youth Network (CYN) in Denmark. The conference marked the culmination of an 18-month journey of international collaboration, innovation, and advocacy for youth digital wellbeing.

A Shared Vision for Healthier Digital Lives

The DiFit project was born out of a shared concern: the increasingly sedentary and digitally saturated lifestyles of Europe’s youth. As screens become more embedded in education, social life, and leisure, the mental and physical consequences of unbalanced digital habits have become harder to ignore.

Through DiFit, BAIS and its partners from Denmark and Serbia set out to tackle these issues by developing accessible tools, training programs, and awareness-raising initiatives that promote healthier screen habits, physical activity, and mental resilience.

Final Conference Highlights

Held in Copenhagen, the final conference brought together youth workers, educators, parents, health professionals, and project stakeholders to reflect on the outcomes of the project and to share practical strategies for fostering digital wellbeing.

Key presentations included:

• René Sehested (CYN), who shared youth-centred research on digital habits and their consequences on mental and physical health.

• Dr. Shanga Qadir, a medical doctor from Rigshospitalet, who outlined clinical insights into screen-related health issues affecting adolescents.

• Ulf Gormsen, educator and former police officer, who presented how digital footprints and wellbeing practices can be embedded into school curricula.

BAIS contributed to the conference by showcasing our role throughout the project—from hosting local workshops in Hungary to co-developing training resources and presenting the project at the European Youth Forum in Liège.

Launch of the Digital Fitness Guide

A major output of the project is the Digital Fitness Guide, a comprehensive e-book offering practical methods, lesson plans, and tools for promoting digital balance among young people. The guide is already being used in schools and youth centres across partner countries and remains freely accessible online via www.digitalfitness.info.

What Comes Next?

Although the DiFit project officially concludes with this event, the work continues. BAIS is committed to integrating the tools and methodologies developed through DiFit into our upcoming sports, youth, and wellbeing projects in Hungary and across Europe.

We thank our partners, participants, and supporters—especially the European Union—for making this project a success. Together, we’ve taken meaningful steps toward reshaping how young people engage with the digital world.

If you're interested in learning more or using the Digital Fitness Guide in your organization, feel free to reach out to us.