THRIVE

Reflect. Understand. Learn.

Starting situation

Digital media—and, increasingly, generative AI—are a natural part of everyday life for adolescents. Public debate on this topic usually centers on how much time young people spend in front of screens. THRIVE takes a different approach and examines how the nature of their media use affects learning, reflection, and emotional well-being. The focus is on self-regulated learning and the well-being of adolescents between the ages of 14 and 16.

Aim of the project

The goal of THRIVE is to integrate research findings on digital media and generative AI into school practice. The project aims to support young people in taking control of their own learning, enhancing their well-being, and developing a reflective approach to using digital media. Rather than imposing blanket rules on screen time, the project focuses on guided reflection and fostering healthy learning habits.

Approach

The project is divided into four phases:

Capture: Data collection through surveys, guided reflections, and feedback from teachers and school administrators.
Understand: Analysis of which digital practices promote or hinder learning and well-being, and for which young people this applies in each case.
Empower: Participatory development and testing of AI-supported tutoring and adaptive feedback using the open-source tool ORBITA.
Scale: Dissemination of validated results through open educational resources, professional development for teachers, engagement with education policymakers, and the E-well+ Connect platform.

A total of about 4,000 young people are participating at more than 30 schools in seven countries. They are actively shaping the project—from the research questions and activities to the interpretation of the results. Data protection, the protection of children and youth, accessibility, and the responsible use of AI form the ethical framework for this work.

Three key outcomes are currently emerging:

AdWell: a European framework that translates research findings into practical routines, guidelines, and policy recommendations.
ORBITA: an AI-supported open-source tool that enables young people to reflect on their media use and learning.
E-well+ Connect: a European platform that connects schools, education authorities, teachers’ associations, civil society, and the research community.

Funding

The project is funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe program (Grant Agreement No. 101286779).