In an era where technology is evolving rapidly, adaptation is no longer a choice but a necessity. However, for this adaptation to be sustainable, it is essential to protect both our physical and mental well-being. This is exactly where SETAP (Sustainable Technological Adaptation Project), carried out in collaboration with Yeditepe University and Ataşehir Municipality, comes into play. SETAP aims to combine the opportunities of digitalization with social benefit.
The first and one of the most exciting phases of the project, the “Balanced Digital Life” children’s workshop, took place last Wednesday at Ferhatpaşa Ataevi SHM under the guidance of students from the E-Commerce and Management Department and the Head of Department, Prof. Dr. Altan Kar.
Friendships That Began with Balloons
This workshop was not only an educational session, but also an opportunity to build a connection between generations. The event area was decorated with colorful balloons, each labeled with the names of the university students. The balloons were released, and each child caught one. In this way, the children were assigned to us, and each child was paired with a university student “big brother” or “big sister” who guided them throughout this digital awareness journey.
This warm and friendly start helped reduce the children’s hesitation toward learning, while also giving the E-Commerce & Management students the chance to turn their theoretical knowledge into something meaningful for society. The moments when the balloons filled the air symbolized, in a way, a transition from the weight of the digital world to the lightness of real human interaction.
From Screen Time to Awareness Time
Today, children’s relationship with screens has often turned into uncontrolled consumption. The main goal of this workshop is not to completely remove screens from our lives, but to teach how to use them in a balanced and efficient way.
Through games and interactive activities, children learned about the effects of screen time on physical health, the impact of blue light on sleep patterns, and how excessive digital use can lead to neglecting real-life hobbies. The idea that technology is a tool, not a purpose, was planted in their minds as an important seed.
What is Digital Balance?
When we think of digital balance, the first thing that comes to mind is usually the amount of time spent on technological devices. However, balance is not only about time — it is about quality.
It is the harmony between a child’s digital activities and their physical health, sleep, sports, friendships, social relationships, and academic success. It means using technology as an instrument rather than letting it become an obstacle.
Based on this, it is also important to talk about how to raise awareness in children. Instead of simply setting strict rules (which often make things more attractive), we should focus on increasing their awareness. For example:
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- Helping them understand the changes in their bodies: asking how their eyes feel after screen time or whether they have neck pain encourages them to listen to their bodies. This can be a powerful “stop button.”
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- Encouraging them to ask “why”: before picking up a phone or tablet, they should ask themselves whether they are bored, want to learn something, or communicate with a friend.
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- Introducing the idea of a “Digital Needs Pyramid”: similar to Maslow’s hierarchy, children can learn that different digital activities have different values. Creative activities like design or coding can be seen as a main course, while watching videos can be compared to snacks. This helps them better understand how to benefit from technology.
The Future Comes with Conscious Steps
It should not be forgotten that the digital world is like an ocean. The goal is not to disconnect people from technology, but to help them use it in a balanced way. Digital balance becomes our compass in this process.
With SETAP, we will continue to support this journey and ensure that this compass points in the right direction through future workshops.