According to UNICEF’s data on adolescents mental health in 2021 (Adolescent mental health statistics – UNICEF DATA), globally, one in seven youths aged 10 to 19 suffers from a mental disorder. Video games, due to their engaging nature, can be particularly effective for mental health treatment in teens. They provide a safe and known environment, individual accomplishments, mental distraction, challenges, and immediate feedback, all of which help maintain user adherence. Prevention and early actions by people who are closely related and interact with adolescents like parents and teachers can promote resilience and mitigate harm by empowering young people.
Based on the above, the project titled InnerWorlds: A Videogame Journey Through Teen Depression and Social Pressures which was officially launched in April 2025, aims to address the mental health in the adolescents promoting social awareness and strengthening resilience through the co-design and co-creation of an innovative and engaging mobile video game that will be developed, piloted and implemented following evidence-based psychological techniques. The project focuses on equipping educational institutions, parents and peers with a practical tool and training to recognise early signs of mental issues to foster a supportive environment.
The InnerWorlds project is co-funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ programme in the Youth sector and brings together a diverse consortium of partners from 4 European Countries (Spain, Cyprus, Austria and Romania). The partnership is comprised by the Universitat Jaume I De Castellon (Coordinator), SEMBREM Entitatacció social, the University of Limassol (UoL), Polidinamo Kentro Parochis Koinonikon Ipiresion Agios Ioannis o Eleimon, InterAktion– Verein für ein interkulturelles Zusammenleben, and the Innovation Education Lab.
The first face-to-face meeting of the partnership was hosted by the University of Limassol in Cyprus on the 28th– 29th of April 2025. The two-day kick-off meeting was more than just introductions. It provided a space for partners to reflect on early progress, clarify expectations, and make practical decisions to strengthen the project’s implementations.
The next steps of the project involve the development of a Handbook on mental health issues in adolescents, a number of open Educational Resources for different actors like parents and teachers and an engaging and effective mobile video game to promote mental health in adolescence.
Stay connected and follow the journey of the InnerWorlds project (@innerworldseu) to learn more about its innovative activities and impact!
Source: University of Limassol | What’s on | News (https://tinyurl.com/4tura56z)