Bursa Technical University (BTÜ) aims to develop solutions for the negative effects of smartphone use on the development, health, and education of children and young people. Within the scope of a project supported by the European Academic Cooperation KA2-Erasmus+ in the field of school education, educational institutions from five different countries will contribute as partners alongside BTÜ.

Bursa Technical University (BTÜ), within the scope of the KA2-Erasmus+ supported FOCUS (Fostering Competence for Use of Smartphones) project in school education, coordinated by the University of Maribor, represents Turkey as the lead institution. The project, which aims to address the negative effects of smartphone usage among children and young people on their development, health, and education, includes Dr. Oya Güler from the BTÜ Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Sociology, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gazanfer Anlı from the Department of Psychology. The project, with a budget of 400,000 euros, is supported by nine esteemed universities and educational institutions from Germany, Italy, Slovenia, Romania, and Croatia as stakeholders.

Creating Educational Environments Without Excessive Use of Smartphones

The project aims to minimize the negative effects of smartphone use by students in primary and secondary schools, develop their self-regulation skills, and promote healthy digital habits. In this context, educational settings without smartphones will be created in primary schools, while in secondary schools, the controlled use of smartphones with a pedagogical approach will be ensured.

To Be Tested Through Pilot Applications in Different Countries…

Providing information about the project, Dr. Oya Güler stated, "Within the scope of the project, we will develop pedagogical materials, policy recommendations, and various educational tools for teachers, students, parents, and schools. The prepared materials will be tested through pilot applications in different countries; in addition, with a web-based self-assessment and recommendation system (RESUME), all stakeholders will be encouraged to become more conscious regarding smartphone use. The impact area of the project will be expanded through awareness campaigns, educational seminars, and practical activities."

A Kit and Website Developed for the Project

Sharing the expected outcomes of the project, Oya Güler said, "Within the project, comprehensive guides and practical materials—especially on 'Core Competencies for Smartphone Use'—will be prepared. The 'HEWRECA Well-being Framework,' which will contribute to the balanced and healthy integration of technology in education, and the 'SPARK Pedagogical Kit,' which can be adapted to all subjects starting with mathematics, have already been developed. Additionally, RESUME, a web-based self-assessment and recommendation tool to help students assess and improve their smartphone usage habits, is among the important outputs of the project. The FOCUS Project aims to create a sustainable and safe school environment and to support students' academic achievements and healthy development in the long term."

Rector Naci Çağlar: As Universities, Our Greatest Duty Is to Educate Conscious Individuals

Making an assessment about the project, Bursa Technical University Rector Prof. Dr. Naci Çağlar said: "Our university aims to stand out not only through scientific production but also through projects that provide social contribution. It is among our most important responsibilities as a university to ensure that young people and children grow into conscious individuals who are aware of the risks they face in the digital world. With this project, together with our partners in Europe, we aim both to transform educational environments and to contribute to the development of healthy digital habits. As BTÜ, we will continue to work so that the generations who will shape our future become more conscious, balanced, and productive individuals."