The role of the "Tools for the Modern Age" program in developing socio-emotional skills and reducing risk behaviors in children in the digital environment through education and prevention

The program "Tools for the Modern Age" is emerging as a key initiative in educating young people about safe and responsible behavior in a digital environment. This program, conducted in collaboration with Hrvatski Telekom and the Educational Rehabilitation Faculty in Zagreb, has had a significant impact on over 2000 students from 108 elementary schools across Croatia in its first year of implementation. Its purpose is not only to reduce risky digital behaviors among children but also to provide students with the tools and skills necessary for safe navigation in the virtual world. Through 12 structured workshops, students have gained crucial knowledge that helps them recognize risky behaviors and develop the socio-emotional skills necessary for responsible and conscious use of digital technologies.

Program expansion and impact on children's behavior

The program continues to expand during the 2024/2025 school year, with plans to involve more than 150 schools from 20 counties by the end of the year. The focus of the program is not only on education but also on the continuous monitoring of the effects on children's behavior in a digital environment. Evaluation results conducted at the end of the first year of the program showed a significant reduction in symptoms of addiction to video games and social networks among nearly 50% of children who excessively used digital technologies before participating in the program. This statistic points to the positive effects of education on students' behavior and their ability to manage their time better in a digital environment.

One of the key goals of the program is to develop the socio-emotional skills that children use not only in the virtual world but also in everyday life. The program also helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, which are often associated with excessive use of digital technologies. According to research, students who participated in the program show greater awareness of the risks in a digital environment and reduce the time spent on social networks and video games, especially on weekends when these numbers traditionally increase.

Research results and new insights

One of the key elements of the "Tools for the Modern Age" program is the research conducted among students to monitor the effects of the workshops on their behavior. The research revealed several interesting statistics. During the workweek, about 40% of students use social networks for more than three hours a day, while this percentage rises to 62% during the weekend. Additionally, 11% of students excessively use video games during the workdays, while this percentage increases to 30% on weekends. These data indicate the need for further education on the responsible use of the internet and digital technologies.

It is particularly concerning that 7% of students show symptoms of serious anxiety, depression, and stress, which may be related to excessive internet use. The program plays a key role in reducing these symptoms through the development of emotional intelligence and self-awareness skills. Results show that students, after participating in the program, manage their time on the internet better and reduce risky behaviors, contributing to their overall emotional and social development.

Long-term strategies and goals of the program

The goal of the "Tools for the Modern Age" project is to ensure that every school in Croatia has access to preventive tools and knowledge that help children develop healthy digital habits. The program is implemented in partnership with elementary schools across the country, and expansion to high schools is planned to further strengthen the capacities for responsible digital behavior among adolescents. Ongoing evaluations of the program allow for the adaptation of workshops based on the specific needs of students and research results.

Additionally, the program focuses on training teachers and professional associates so that they can recognize risky behaviors among children and provide adequate support. This project is expected to become sustainable in the long term and to be implemented in all schools throughout Croatia. There are also plans for collaboration with international institutions to improve practices and adapt to global standards in digital education.

Positive impact on schools and teachers

The "Tools for the Modern Age" program not only brings about changes in children's behavior but also helps teachers and professional associates in schools better understand the challenges that children face in the digital world. Through training and participation in workshops, teachers are equipped with the tools and knowledge to support students in recognizing and avoiding risky behaviors online. This approach ensures that schools become safer places for children, where not only academic skills are developed but also the skills needed for healthy emotional and social development.

Plans for further expansion of the program in the coming years aim to include all elementary and high schools in Croatia, ensuring continuous monitoring and adjustment of the program to achieve the best results in protecting children and youth in the digital environment.

Conclusion

The "Tools for the Modern Age" program represents an important step forward in protecting children from risky behaviors online. Through structured workshops, the program helps children develop key skills for responsible behavior in the digital world, while simultaneously reducing symptoms of stress, anxiety, and addiction to digital technologies. Its success lies in a comprehensive approach that involves children, parents, teachers, and professional associates, creating a safe and supportive environment for learning and development.