Today, children and young people face the major challenge of learning to cope effectively with their digitized learning and living environments. Especially when the same device—such as a cell phone—is used for different purposes, private and learning-related activities can become intermingled regardless of time and place, leading to role conflicts.
Project goals and needs assessment survey
This is where the DigiBound research project comes in: A practical training program is being developed to help children and young people use Digital Media consciously, set boundaries, and actively shape their digital living and learning environments. “Schools, teachers, and other interested parties are invited to join us on this journey and network with the project,” explains Prof. Dr. Regina Kempen, who, together with Sören Werner, represents the Business Psychology degree programme at Aalen University of Applied Sciences in the project.
In addition to Aalen University of Applied Sciences, the University of Osnabrück and the Leibniz Information Centre for Science and Technology (TIB) in Hanover are also involved in the research project. The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education, Family, Seniors, Women and Youth (BMBFSFJ) as part of the Empirical Education Research funding programme.
An essential part of the project to date has been conducting a needs assessment survey among secondary school students at two selected project schools. “We wanted to find out first-hand what challenges young people experience in the conflict between different areas of life in the context of Digital Media – and what support they would like to receive,” says Dr. Svenja Schumacher from the University of Osnabrück. The discussions with the young people provided valuable insights into specific stresses, but also into the strategies young people already use when dealing with Digital Media in different areas of life.
Conceptual phase of the training and next steps
Based on these results, DigiBound has now entered the conceptual phase of the training. Students at Aalen University of Applied Sciences and the University of Osnabrück developed the first micro-modules on boundary management strategies in two module components/courses. These small Taught Modules offer concrete approaches on how children and young people can use Digital Media consciously and better manage boundaries between areas of life. The Modules take up central topics from the needs assessment survey and translate them into practical and age-appropriate learning formats for the school context. The close integration of research, teaching, and practice is a central feature of the project.
Training will begin at two project schools in April and May 2026. The Modules will be trialed and systematically tested in class together with students and teachers. The feedback collected will form the basis for a subsequent revision of the training before it is implemented and finally evaluated.
Active exchange with education stakeholders
In addition, the scientists are actively seeking dialogue with schools and education stakeholders. In the summer, the project will also participate in events and transfer activities in schools. “The aim is to further integrate the topic into school practice, incorporate new perspectives, and attract additional interest in the project,” says Prof. Dr. Karsten Müller from the University of Osnabrück.
Further information on the project is available here or on the LinkedIn account.
