The bicycle that unplugged us

In the summer of 2023, there is a group of five extraordinary children: Chiara, Salvo, Martina, Carola and Giulia. Each of them brings with them a unique set of experiences and characteristics that make them special. This is the story of their unforgettable holidays, an adventure that will lead them to savor the true meaning of friendship, inclusion, diversity and the discovery of the off-line world.

Chiara is a sweet and introverted girl. He loves technology and video games, and finds solace in his solitary passions. Salvo, on the other hand, is an autistic child, with a perpetual smile and a talent for using computer tools. Martina, an insightful child, is always up for an adventure and loves music. Giulia is shy and thoughtful and loves dancing. Carola, on the other hand, is known for her perfectionism and love of cats and makeup.

Together, they are an eclectic group, but united by a deep bond. Every year, they spend their summer holidays together in a fishing village overlooking the sea of beautiful eastern Sicily. But this year, their parents made a decision that surprised and disappointed them: banning all smartphones. They wouldn't be able to take their mobile phones or tablets with them, or play their favorite online video games. It is a challenge that will test their aptitudes and push them to discover a new dimension of life.

In the pages that follow, we will observe the five friends as they embrace this ordeal and immerse themselves in a summer without borders. They will understand that the differences between them are an opportunity, not an obstacle, and that friendship can flourish beyond smartphone screens. 

This is a story of growth, adventure, and life-changing discoveries.

Together they will learn to manage the empty moments of the day without the aid of technology, understanding that every moment can be an opportunity to live a unique experience. Away from their mobile phones, the kids will realize that the real world can be an endless source of discovery and that nature offers extraordinary spectacles to admire.

They will begin to recognize and appreciate the enchantment of the fiery sunsets that tinge the sky with shades of red and orange, the smell of the sea that brings with it stories of distant travels, and the sounds of nature that surrounds them. Every feeling, every detail of the outdoors will begin to take shape.

Their senses will be sharpened, discovering the pleasure of swimming in the crystal clear waters, walking along paths hidden among the trees, enjoying the taste of fresh fruits picked directly from the trees. Nature itself will become their best friend, teaching them the most valuable lessons about beauty and the importance of preserving it.

They will not only explore the magnificence of nature, but will learn more about themselves and their peers around them. Away from social media and digital distractions, they will spend hours chatting, laughing, sharing dreams and desires. Friendship will become stronger, more supportive and more authentic. An opportunity to discover the fascination of face-to-face communication and the sharing of authentic experiences.

When they write it all down in their diary "The Bicycle That Unplugged Us" at the end of the summer, they'll reflect on how important it was to get their heads off their smartphones and embrace the world around them. They will learn that every day is a potential adventure, that every moment has the power to surprise them and enrich their lives. It's a valuable lesson they'll carry with them for the rest of their lives, because they'll know that even though technology is part of their daily reality, nothing could ever replace the majesty and authenticity of real life. This challenge will lead them to invent creative games, stimulating their imagination and opening their minds to new scenarios. 

And so, the summer holidays of the five young friends begin with a different perspective. Through their adventures, they will learn that inclusion and acceptance are the most powerful forces of all, and that the diversity that each of us brings with us is what makes the world so wonderfully diverse.

A journey in which differences are celebrated, human relationships are a precious treasure, autism turns out to be an extraordinary advantage, technology turns into a pastime and not a vital aspect. 

With this in mind, they coordinate to devise strategies to mitigate Internet addiction, setting time targets, involving parents and friends, and adopting the motto "#I Unplugg, what about you?" and creating a plan with non-digital activities. 

In addition, they set rules to limit the use of devices during the day and commit to disconnecting at 8 p.m. to spend the evening time on family dinner, culture, entertainment, and face-to-face connections. They schedule regular meetings to monitor progress in pursuing a balanced lifestyle between the digital and real worlds.

This is their story, which teaches us that togetherness and acceptance can change the world, one friendship at a time, even in the online context where digital addictions can isolate people. The students show that with a balanced approach to the use of technology and the support of friends and family, it is possible to rediscover human connection and well-being in offline life.