Helping young people learn and thrive in a digital world
An Horizon Europe research project · 2026–2030
What matters is not only how much time young people spend with technology, but how it affects the way they learn, reflect and feel. THRIVE works with adolescents and schools across Europe to turn research on digital technology and generative AI into practical support for better learning, emotional well-being and informed digital choices.
Why THRIVE?
Better questions. More useful support.
Digital technology can support learning, creativity and connection. It can also make it harder to focus, reflect and manage emotions. Schools need evidence that goes beyond simple screen-time rules. THRIVE studies how young people actually use digital technologies, what helps or hinders them, and how guided reflection can support healthier learning practices.
How can you benefit from THRIVE?
Research that works for you.
THRIVE turns research into practical support for learning and emotional well-being in a digital world. Explore what the project offers young people, schools and teachers, policymakers, researchers and innovators.
Young people
A safe way to share experiences and help shape better support for digital learning and well-being.
Schools & Teachers
Evidence, tested reflection activities, practical guidance and professional learning for real classrooms.
For parents and carers
Clear information and practical guidance to help young people use digital technologies in ways that support learning and emotional well-being.
Researchers & innovators
Open methods, data, code and responsible design insights for further research and reuse.
Policymakers & authorities
Cross-country evidence and practical options for inclusive digital education and well-being policy.
How THRIVE works
Listen and capture. Understand patterns. Co-create and test. Share and scale.
Across the project, young people’s experiences are combined with input from teachers and school leaders. Researchers then analyse the evidence, co-design and test reflective support, and turn the findings into resources that can be used across Europe.
Capture
Listen to young people. Gather evidence from surveys, guided reflections and input from teachers and school leaders.
Understand
Explore which digital practices support or disrupt learning and emotional well-being, for whom and in which contexts.
Empower
Co-design and test intelligent tutoring and adaptive feedback through ORBITA, informing practical school and policy guidance.
Scale
Share validated results through open resources, teacher training, policy dialogue and E-well+ Connect.
Three connected results
From evidence to impact.
THRIVE connects research, practical tools and European collaboration to turn evidence into action. AdWell translates findings into guidance,, ORBITA supports reflection and E-Well+ Connect helps stakeholders to share, apply and scale what works.
AdWell
A European framework that translates research into practical routines, playbooks and policy guidance for adolescent digital well-being.
ORBITA
An open-source, AI-supported reflection tool that helps young people think about their digital practices and learning.
E-well+ Connect
A European platform and network that connects schools, authorities, teacher organisations, civil society and researchers with resources and peer exchange.
Young people at the centre
Real experiences. Meaningful reflection.
Young people are more than research subjects in THRIVE. Their experiences inform the questions, the design of activities and the interpretation of results. Participation is supported by privacy, safeguarding, accessibility and responsible AI principles..
Latest news & events
THRIVE officially launches in Bern
European partners join forces to help young people learn, reflect and thrive in an increasingly digital world.The THRIVE project officially […]
Join the THRIVE community
Youth, teachers, school representatives, teacher, trainers, researchers, innovators, policymakers and educational authorities follow THRIVE for project updates, research activities, new resources and invitations to studies and events.
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