The Reconnect Project (360G-Wellcome-204079_Z_16_Z)

The Reconnect Project is an online awareness initiative aimed primarily at schools but designed to generate wider public conversation. Six lesson plans, complete with PowerPoint slides and activities, promote reflection and debate around screen-related issues. During the penultimate week, pupils are invited to go offline completely or radically reduce their screen time, and engage in non-digital activities. The goal is twofold: firstly, for young people to have a digital break and reconnect with their offline selves for a week; secondly, to resume using their screens at the end of the week in a more informed and balanced way. Central to this project is a programme of original and ground-breaking research into the behaviour of hard-to-reach teens. This will go beyond the assertions of well-meaning adults and tap directly into the attitudes and experiences of young people themselves. The Wellcome Trust’s People Award could be a huge benefit for the project - sharpening its focus and methodology, and providing access to expertise from the wider science community. In addition, an association with the Wellcome Trust would have a significant outreach impact – helping to create a buzz around its launch, and disseminate its research findings among the general public.