EQUILIBRIUM

EQUILIBRIUM – Balancing Digital Engagement and Youth Outcomes: Evidence-Based Policies for Learning and Well-being addresses the growing need for robust evidence on how young people’s use of digital technologies for leisure and communication affects educational outcomes and mental health. Smartphones, social media, online gaming, and messaging platforms are now deeply embedded in students’ daily lives, raising concerns about attention, concentration, academic performance, and psychological well-being. At the same time, policy responses such as smartphone restrictions in schools are being implemented across Europe, often without strong causal evidence on their effectiveness.
EQUILIBRIUM will generate rigorous, policy-relevant evidence using a combination of experimental, quasi-experimental, longitudinal, and qualitative methods. The project will identify causal effects of different types of digital engagement, analyse underlying cognitive and behavioural mechanisms, and assess heterogeneity across age, socio-economic background, and educational contexts. It will also examine both risks and benefits, including impacts on digital skills, problem-solving abilities, and social integration.
Through close collaboration with schools, families, and policymakers across Europe, the project will evaluate existing interventions and test new approaches to promote balanced digital use. The results will be translated into actionable policy recommendations and practical tools to support education systems in enhancing both learning outcomes and well-being in the digital age.