1: The Announcement
Summer had arrived, and the golden rays of the sun were beginning to warm the small coastal village where the five young friends were vacationing. The days were getting longer and longer, and the air was filled with the salty scent of the sea. It was a time of the year eagerly awaited by all the children, finally free from school commitments.
One morning, after breakfast, they gathered in the cozy kitchen of Chiara's family's holiday home, filled with natural light and overlooking the waterfront. They had high expectations for the summer and were already planning which
digital game they would play first or how many YouTube and TikTok videos and tutorials they would watch on the beach every day under the beach umbrella. But their conversation was interrupted when the parents entered the kitchen with unexpected news.
"Sit down, guys," said Chiara's mother with a serious expression on her face. "We have one important thing to tell you about your summer vacation."
The friends exchanged confused and worried looks as they sat around the table. Their minds were full of questions, but they knew they had to listen carefully.
"This year," Carola and Martina's father began, "we decided to do a little challenge during this break period in Sant'Alessio. A test that we believe can bring multiple benefits."
Their words created a palpable silence in the room. The five exchanged questioning glances, wondering what was going to happen.
"During this holiday," Giulia's mother continued, "you won't be able to use any technological devices, including mobile phones and tablets."
A chorus of protests, groans, and bewildered looks filled the room. Chiara, Salvo, Martina, Giulia and Carola were very attached to their smartphones, and the idea of spending the summer without them seemed like a nightmare.
"What's the point of this challenge?" asked Giulia hesitantly, trying to understand the reason behind this decision.
"The reason is simple," Salvo's mother explained. "We want to give you the opportunity to discover the real world, connect with others in a deeper way, and experience outdoor adventures. These holidays will be a chance to embrace life without the distractions of your digital devices."
Parents knew that this news would not be well received, but they hoped that their children would understand the importance of this trial. It was an opportunity to grow, learn, and discover a world outside of bright screens.
The reasons behind such a decision were the growing concerns for their children, they feared that they were becoming more and more dependent on technology, and that this wrong habit could make them distant from offline life and the beauties of the real world.
They noticed them increasingly immersed in smartphone screens, able to communicate with the virtual world but with difficulty interacting with others in person.
By watching them constantly connected, they saw in them, little by little, the interest in real life and everything that was part of it fade away. Conversations and family moments seemed to fade away almost entirely.
It was as if their digital tools were stealing their inner light, extinguishing creativity, the desire to explore the world, and annihilating emotions and personal involvements.
They were determined to find a solution to their addiction because they understood that this behavior could lead to a reduction in in-person social interactions and the loss of the ability to interpret the facial expressions, gestures and vocal intonations of others, and ultimately to an ever-increasing desire for isolation.
Despite understanding that the technology itself was not the problem, but rather how it was used, they were determined to guide their children towards a more balanced use.
Ultimately, parents wanted their children to develop interpersonal communication skills and learn how to balance time spent online with time spent on human relationships. They wanted them to discover the beauties of the offline world and preserve the value of true friendships and authentic experiences in real life.
They sought to promote activities that would engage them outside the home, encouraging them to participate in group games, outdoor activities, and face-to-face conversation.
For their part, the five friends were still skeptical and disappointed. They couldn't imagine how they could survive an entire month without their digital devices, and the future suddenly seemed more uncertain.
With their heavy hearts behind their puzzled expressions, they began to wonder what this challenge would be like and what it would mean for their vacation. One thing was certain: summer was turning out to be very different from what they had imagined.
2: THE BICYCLE
The days passed slowly after their parents' announcement, and the five friends felt lost without their cell phones and their addiction to them. Their habits had been turned upside down, and the hours passed in a sense of emptiness and incompleteness, in total boredom and apathy.
But their family members had a plan in mind, which would bring a breath of fresh air and adventure into their lives. One morning, as the guys were gathered in the backyard doing nothing, their faces dull and their eyes turned to the sky, their parents appeared with five shining bicycles.
"We thought you might enjoy a different kind of vacation this summer," Chiara's mother said, smiling as she pointed to the bikes. "We've prepared these for you. It will be a fun and healthy way to explore the sea and its surroundings and to allow you to unplug from your
smartphones without drama."
At first, the young people were perplexed. Their experience with those means was limited, and they weren't sure they wanted to give up their virtual pastimes, thematic shorts on TikTok or their favorite video games lying under the beach umbrella, to get around on a two-wheeled vehicle.
"What a struggle, what's the point of going out in this heat, and then doing what?" they all said together at the beginning, looking skeptically at the parked bikes. It was a scorching day, and the idea of wandering around in a pedal vehicle seemed like a challenging task, as it was often arduous for them to even get up from the couch to take a simple walk.
But as they took a closer look, they noticed that they were colorful and light, perfect for coastal roads and paths leading to the beach. They approached them slowly, examining them curiously. The slender wheels seemed ready to plough the asphalt, and their bright colors actually gave the impression of inviting them to climb.
"Try them, you'll see that you won't regret it, and then you'll tell us..." These words were spoken with a confident smile by their parents as the guys hesitated to climb in.
The adults had spent many summers discovering the wonders of the area, and they knew that this could be their key to an unforgettable adventure.
Intrigued by that invitation, the kids decided to give bicycles a chance. They didn't know what to expect, but the excitement in the air was infecting them. With their hearts in their throats and a hint of emotion, they mounted their new and colorful racing bikes.
The first few rides were uncertain, with their legs straining and a bit of fear looking at the path ahead. But their family members were right. As they gained confidence, fatigue turned into a feeling of freedom. The cool wind brushing their faces, the smooth sound of the wheels on the road, everything seemed magical.
Slowly, the landscape began to unfold before them. Coastal roads with stunning sea views, paths through golden sand dunes, and picturesque places opened up like a treasure to be explored. As they pedaled back and forth, exploring every nook and cranny of the village and its surroundings, they realized that this invitation had changed their point of view.
The bicycle was not just a means of transportation; It had become a gateway to an exciting adventure.
As time passed, their initial complaints turned into enthusiasm and anticipation for the next excursions. It was an incredible discovery of how much fun that two-wheeled vehicle could offer, and they would soon become true explorers of coastal roads and scenic routes.
They discovered a feeling of freedom that had been completely new to them until that moment. They could stop whenever they wanted, scour hidden trails they had never noticed before in the car, and enjoy the outdoors without digital distractions. It was a new and fascinating world opening up in front of them.
The first trips led them to the discovery of picturesque fishing villages, where they met kind and curious people who shared stories about life by the sea. They ventured into shady forests, where birdsong and rustling leaves were the soundtrack to their adventure. The natural beauty that surrounded them began to awaken their spirit of exploration.
That day, as they walked home with the sun setting behind them, the five friends looked into each other's eyes. Their faces were lit up with satisfied smiles, and they couldn't wait to tell their incredible experience to anyone who would listen.
They were quick to tell everyone how wonderful the discovery of bicycles had been and how much they didn't regret giving them a chance at all.
They had begun to understand their parents' enthusiasm for this challenge and the deeper meaning of summer.
They weren't ready to give up their smartphones altogether just yet, but they were learning that there was a lot to be gained by living in the present and embracing the real-life experience. This challenge had opened a new door to their adventures that would lead them to new encounters and to discover the true meaning of friendship, diversity as an advantage and inclusion.
It was just the beginning of an amazing summer, and they knew it would be an experience they would remember forever.
3: DISCOVERING NEW HORIZONS
With the passage of time the bicycles had turned into trusted companions for Chiara, Salvo, Martina, Giulia and Carola, who were ready to discover the world around them in a whole new way, their summer days were now filled with promising outdoor feats. With the wind in their hair and their faces lit up by the sun, the kids began pedaling along the coast, exploring a world that stretched out before them with endless possibilities.
The sound of wheels on the pavement, the singing of birds, and the scent of salty air filled their senses as they made their way to the shoreline.
The promenade stretched out in front of them, with fishermen's cottages, crowded lidos and beach bars. Every corner seemed to tell a different story. Day after day, wherever they went, they were greeted with kindness and curiosity, and soon these villages became the ideal place to make new friends and hear fascinating stories about the ancient fishing techniques of a coastal community, passed down from generation to generation.
During their hikes, they observed butterflies dancing among the wildflowers and smelled the scent of damp earth after a summer rain.
But the trips were not limited to familiar places. Often, they let themselves be guided by instinct and followed unknown roads, curious to find out what was hidden behind the next bend. It was in these chance explorations that they made surprising encounters, such as when they befriended a goat herder who led them to a crystal-clear stream hidden in the hills.
But in addition to the discovery of nature, bicycles brought them together even more as friends. They supported each other on steep climbs and difficult stretches of road. They challenged each other to speed races along the beach, laughing merrily as the sun plunged over the horizon.
These excursions became a key part of their vacations.
They learned that the world had so much to offer when you let yourself be guided by curiosity and a desire to explore, and that days spent away from home were a real treasure that no tablet or mobile phone could ever replace.
It was a change that was transforming their mindset and their lives in unexpected and wonderful ways.
4: FRIENDS AND THE SEA
Their days were filled with fun and games with other local youths. It was as if the sea had the power to bring people together. The five friends met boys and girls from the village, who welcomed them with warm smiles and invitations to have fun together at the lido. They built huge sand castles, with towers and bridges, trying to overcome every architectural challenge with enthusiasm.
The crystal clear waters of the sea became their refuge, and swimming in the deep blue was an experience they could never fully enjoy if they spent time looking at bright screens lying under the beach umbrella. They challenged each other to races, trying to touch the furthest point before returning to the shore, their hearts swollen with pride and adrenaline.
The beaches were their natural playground. Laughter filled the air as they competed in racket tournaments and sand races. They formed a diverse group of friends, each with their own stories and personalities. They built real and lasting human connections, based on sharing adventures and carefree moments.
On the beach, traditional games such as volleyball, rackets and hide-and-seek became their favorite pastime, as they ran along the shoreline, the scorching sun and salty air made every moment memorable.
Their friendship grew day by day, and the smell of the sea and the sound of the waves became the only soundtrack of their days.
They also realized that they could be themselves without fear of judgment, that authenticity was the key to deep connections. The prejudices they had encountered in the past seemed to fade away, giving way to a sense of community and belonging.
They discovered the joy of watching the sunset as they sat on the sand, talking about dreams and hopes, and the magic of watching the twinkling stars above them during starry nights.
Technology could connect people, but the sea and friendship could create bonds that went far beyond digital boundaries.
And as the sun disappeared over the horizon, bringing with it the warmth of the day, they knew that this summer would leave an indelible imprint on their hearts and future lives.
5: SALVO'S TEACHING
The transformation of Salvo, their autistic friend, was truly extraordinary and surprising. He was known for being quiet and reserved, with an inner world that seemed almost inaccessible to others. He sometimes expressed himself through the language of gestures and facial expressions, but rarely spoke and interacted with his peers. His preference for isolation often led him to engage in repetitive games and activities, performed strictly alone.
However, during that memorable summer, something began to change in him. It was as if the magic of the natural environment and the positive energy of his friends had touched him deeply.
At first, they were small signs: a shy smile here, a light laugh there. Then, gradually but steadily, he began to show an increasing interest in social activities and interactions.
It was Luca, a local boy, with his guitar, who aroused the first surprising reaction. Salvo, who until then seemed uninterested in music and everything around him, began to lean towards the sound of the guitar and make sounds that
sounded like melodic responses. It was as if Luca's music had touched the strings of his soul, opening a window on a world of emotions that had previously remained hidden.
As the summer progressed, Salvo became more and more involved in activities with his friends. He began to participate in beach games, take walks along the coast on his bicycle, and even play along with the makeshift band during the concert at the lido. His presence had become an integral part of the group, and the other guys noticed how much he had changed.
When he spoke, his words were like precious little gems, spoken with care and meaning. He showed a genuine interest in the stories and experiences of others, and in particular, seemed to enjoy the outdoor adventures they were sharing. His smile, once shy, now lit up his
face with regularity, and his laughter joined theirs in a chorus of joy.
His facial expressions became another important means of communication. His face was an open book of emotions. Everyone learned to recognize when he was happy, sad, surprised, or excited just by looking at his face.
Their friendship developed in an extraordinary way, enriched them a lot, teaching them the importance of empathy and acceptance of diversity. They began to better understand his world and interact with him more effectively, even without the need for words or physical contact.
The adventures together became a special moment for all of them.
There was no need to talk to communicate the joy of a swim or the surprise of a shell found on the shoreline of the sea.
Salvo's presence taught them many valuable lessons.
They learned the importance of inclusion and discovered that autism was not a hindrance, but an advantage that enriched their bond in unique ways. They understood that understanding and listening were key to making meaningful connections.
The summer continued, and their desire to spend time together continued to grow.
Salvo was a silent witness to their experiences and a valuable teacher who had guided them to a deeper understanding of the challenges and beauties of autism and life itself.
The summer spent on the bike and away from digital devices had brought out a part of him that no one had ever known, and everyone was happy to have him with them. This change was astonishing and demonstrated the power of friendship and the natural environment to transform people, opening doors that were previously closed and revealing surprising aspects of ourselves and others, allowing us to understand that everything is possible in life.
His story became an example of how important it is to give everyone the chance to grow, explore and discover their potential.
It was a teaching that would accompany them on their path of personal growth.
7: THE CHANGE OF PERSPECTIVE
As time passed, the guys began to experience profound changes in their outlook. That summer, without the distraction of their smartphones, had opened their eyes to a whole new and fascinating world.
They realized the benefits of this new form of summer life. They felt freer, more active, energetic, and more connected to the natural world around them. Each day brought a new adventure, discovery, and connection with others. They had learned that technology could be replaced by real, meaningful experiences.
Their days were filled with outdoor activities: swimming, biking along the coast, exploring forests, building sandcastles, and playing beach volleyball. They had discovered the beauty of
watching the sunset on the beach, with their feet immersed in the water and the sky colored orange and pink.
Their friendships had blossomed in an astonishing way. Without the distraction of their cell phones and tablets, they connected more deeply and authentically with the other kids in the area. They had learned to communicate not only with words, but also with the language of gestures, facial expressions, and the body. They had discovered that Salvo's autism was not an obstacle, but a value that enriched their friendship in a unique way.
They began to see the world with different eyes. Every detail, every sound, every smell had acquired a new importance. They realized how wonderful the nature around them was and how important it was to take the time to appreciate and protect it. They had discovered the value of living in every moment and being present in the moment.
The virtual world, with its bright screens and distractions, seemed distant and irrelevant compared to everything they were experiencing.
The challenge of cycling had taught them a valuable lesson: life is better when you live it to the fullest, in the midst of nature and in the company of friends.
They had had a wonderful vacation outdoors, but now it was time to tackle an important topic: hyper-connectivity and the conscious use of their technological devices.
One morning, they found themselves sitting in a circle on the beach, their feet in the golden sand and their gaze fixed on the sea.
Luca, with his usual determination, took the floor to begin the discussion. "Guys, this has been an amazing summer, full of outdoor adventure and fun. But we can't ignore the fact that smartphones are becoming more and more present in our lives." "We need to talk about this situation. It's as if we were born with a USB connection cable for mobile phones instead of the mother's umbilical cord. I don't know about you, but I realize that most of my time is spent staring at a screen. It's as if the real world is slipping away as we are immersed in video games, apps, and social media".
I understand that technology can be fun and useful, but we are losing touch with reality. We no longer know how to communicate with each other without having to lean on a text message or emoji. When we meet, we don't even seem to know how to start a conversation.
And I don't know about you, but I feel like this digital addiction is affecting my ability to relate to others. Sometimes I feel self-conscious when I have to look someone in the eye and talk to them. It's like we don't know how to do it anymore without a screen separating us.
I think our parents are right in trying to get us to switch off during these holidays. They want to give us the opportunity to discover the real world, to connect with others in a deeper way, and to have real experiences, not just virtual ones.
Maybe we should try to balance time spent online with time spent face-to-face.
I know it won't be easy, but I think it's important. I want to keep my real friendships, I want to be able to communicate without the aid of a screen, and I want to live authentic moments.
We're a special generation, and maybe we can find a way to be connected to the real world as we are to digital."
Martina nodded. "That's true, Luca. I've noticed that sometimes we spend so much time online that we risk forgetting the world around us and isolating ourselves from everything and everyone."
Chiara, the video game expert in the group, added: "I love Minecraft, but I understand that I have to learn how to manage the time I spend online. I don't want it to become an obsession."
Salvo, who was particularly drawn to YouTube ads, joined the conversation. "Me too, me too, not much time," he said with a smile, hugging Potty.
Martina and Carola agreed, noting how easy it was to fall into the trap of hyper-connectivity. "We have to do something about it," they said, "or we risk losing touch with reality."
Luca smiled, appreciating the maturity of his friends. "You're right, girls. Here are some ideas on how we can address this problem."
During the discussion, they came up with a plan to maintain a balance between the use of technology and real life. They decided to create an "offline time" where they would engage in activities that didn't involve digital devices. They proposed to promote face-to-face contact, spending more time with friends, and participating in outdoor activities.
In addition, they committed to educating themselves and others about online risks. Chiara proposed to write a diary narrating and explaining, to one's peers, how one can move away from one's smartphones and fully appreciate the experiences of offline life.
Finally, they said they were willing to maintain an open dialogue with each other and with their families, so that they could address any issues related to the incorrect or excessive use of technology.
The sunset over the sea was just around the corner, and as the guys contemplated the sun dipping over the horizon, they
knew they were starting a new adventure: that of finding a balance between the digital and real worlds.
It was a commitment that they would share and that would help them preserve the beauty of human relationships and outdoor life, without losing sight of the wonders of the technological universe. It was a different adventure, but just as meaningful.