SUNRISE Program: «Snack ή Scam;»: Innovative Digital Tool for Student Training
The Hellenic Mediterranean University, through its three laboratories (SoRSoW, BMI, and Pasiphae), is participating in collaboration with the Municipality of Malevizi and its schools in the European educational program SUNRISE, which is being implemented together with universities and research institutions from eight countries (Greece, Switzerland, Slovenia, Spain, Cyprus, Italy, Belgium, Romania).
The intervention utilizes innovative digital tools, designed specifically for students, to make learning more engaging, participatory, and experiential. Through the program’s activities, students will have the opportunity to learn about topics such as nutrition, physical activity, and the prevention of smoking and alcohol consumption; to develop critical life skills and socio-emotional empowerment; and to participate in a pioneering European program with recognized pedagogical and international value.
One of the digital tools is:
Snack ή Scam;
Teens learn to spot false nutrition information on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
A new campaign with influencers in eight European countries is helping teens combat misleading content about nutrition online.
Social media is a recipe for confusion
From “What I Eat in a Day” videos to viral cucumber salad challenges—diet trends on TikTok and Instagram reach and influence millions of teens every day. While this content can be inspiring and entertaining, much of the advice is misleading, harmful, unscientific, or driven by commercial interests. Algorithms reinforce half-truths, while food companies push unhealthy products to young people.
A campaign by teenagers, for teenagers
Launching today, the Snack or Scam campaign offers young people clear and practical tools to help them distinguish exaggeration from truth. Adolescence is a critical time; young people seek independence, try new diets and are strongly influenced by online trends.
- In eight countries: Belgium, Slovenia, Romania, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Greece and Cyprus, influencers share creative and accessible posts that encourage teenagers to question what they see on social networks.
- A website specifically designed to offer advice, videos and interactive tools aims to educate and train teenagers in identifying and deconstructing misleading nutritional information.
- With co-creation actions with and for young people, the campaign was developed by teenagers, as well as with the contribution of nutrition experts and scientists, so that influencers can function as trusted advisors.
Why it matters
A recent WHO survey (2024) confirms worrying patterns among adolescents in Europe; increasing obesity, emotional overeating and low fruit and vegetable consumption. However, until now there has been no official platform to help them recognize how misinformation about eating habits is spreading.
How this campaign can be effective
“Teenagers spend hours every day online. With Snack or Scam we don’t tell them what’s true or false—we cultivate the skills to question what they see, so they can make their own informed choices” – Liselot Hudders, professor of Communication Science, Ghent University
“For me, it’s about empowering ourselves through knowledge to make better decisions about our health. By participating in this campaign, I hope I can contribute even a little to bursting the ‘bubble’ of nutritional misinformation together” – Anthea, Content Creator
Basic messages from Snack ή Scam
Misinformation about nutrition is everywhere and affects all of us, not just young people.
The campaign highlights three key lessons:
Nutrition is personal. So start with your body’s real needs and what you enjoy, rather than blindly following trends.
Check and recheck. Always consider who is behind the message, what their intent might be, and recognize the possible motivations behind the whole image they are projecting to you.
Your clicks matter. With likes and shares, you contribute to the spread of misinformation. Challenge your own opinions and engage in dialogue with others—this is how we get closer to the truth.
Discover the platform:
https://snackorscam.ugent.be/el–GR/
This campaign is part of the European SUNRISE Project (HORIZON-MISS-2023-CANCER-01), which tests digital tools to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent cancer in adolescents.
More information: : https://thesunriseproject.eu/