Overview of digital youth work
Digital youth work (also known as virtual youth work or e-youth work) is a form of work that utilises digital tools, platforms and methods to engage, support and empower young people. It transfers traditional youth work practices (such as mentoring, education, social interaction and personal development) to an online or virtual environment, and includes activities such as online workshops, social media interactions, virtual mentoring, and the provision of digital resources (Székely & Nagy, 2011).
Subtle differences of the concepts
In first glance, virtual youth work, digital youth work and e-youth seem interchangeable, in fact, they are subtly distinct. Virtual youth work focuses on activities that take place entirely in virtual environments to bring back immersive experience, such as virtual reality (VR), meta-universes.
E-youth work focuses on activities that take place through electronic devices (e.g., computers, smartphones) and online communication tools (e.g., email, videoconferencing), relying on the use of technological media as communication and service tools.
The concept of digital youth work is broader, encompassing not only the use of virtual and electronic tools, but also ways of combining digital technologies with offline practices to support the holistic development of young people.
Context of emergence
The development of digital youth work is rooted in multiple drivers of policy, funding, technological advances and the changing needs of young people.
International organisations and governments are actively promoting digital transformation strategies, such as the European Union's Digital Education Action Plan (European Commission, 2021) and policies supporting the use of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies. These policies aim to enhance the efficiency and reach of education and social services through digital technologies.
Large-scale investments in virtual technologies by technology companies (e.g. Meta's Metaverse Education Initiative) and funding of digital skills training projects by multinational organisations (e.g. the World Bank) provide the economic basis for digital youth work (World Bank, 2023; Meta, 2023). At the same time, governments and non-profit organisations have created the conditions for virtual platforms by promoting the spread of broadband networks and online technologies, especially in remote areas.
Technological advances are likewise key drivers. Rapid advances in virtual reality, augmented reality, and online communication tools such as email and video conferencing software have not only reduced the cost of hardware, but also enhanced the accessibility and functionality of virtual spaces (Statista, 2024). In addition, the use of emerging technologies such as big data and artificial intelligence has enabled digital youth work to more accurately meet the individual needs of young people.
Finally, the changing needs of young people provide a practical basis for the promotion of digital youth work. Growing up in a digital environment, the generation of ‘digital natives’ tends to participate in social activities through diverse digital tools, access educational resources, and pursue immersive experiences in virtual social environments (Prensky, 2001; Anderson et al., 2022). These needs are driving the innovation and expansion of digital youth work in terms of support, empowerment and interaction.
Digital youth work with young people’s needs:
Promoting youth participation, building relationships and trust
Digital youth work utilises online platforms to provide young people with convenient communication channels that break through the constraints of time and geography. For example, through social media, instant messaging tools or online workshops, youth workers are able to reach groups of young people who are difficult to reach through offline means. These platforms not only provide opportunities for engagement, but also help build trusting relationships through transparency and continuity of interaction (Livingstone et al., 2021).
In addition, digital youth work encourages young people to take the initiative in the design and implementation of activities, empowering them with space to express their opinions and influence, a co-creation process that contributes to a greater sense of belonging and social trust (OECD, 2019).
Skills development: building digital literacy, critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Digital literacy is a necessary skill for the 21st century, and digital youth work provides a practical scenario for developing this skill. Through online learning activities, the use of digital tools and virtual collaboration, young people can learn how to assess the reliability of information, manage online privacy, and use technology efficiently to accomplish targeted tasks (UNESCO, 2020).
At the same time, digital youth work encourages critical thinking in problem-oriented activities. For example, through activities such as online debates, online discussions or digital storytelling, young people are able to hone logical thinking and creative skills. These skills are essential for adapting to the complex demands of modern society (Prensky, 2001).
Supporting mental health and wellbeing
Digital youth work helps to meet the psychological needs of young people by providing online support services and mental health resources. Particularly in the face of isolation, stress or anxiety, digital tools can provide young people with an anonymous and safe space to express themselves. For example, many youth work organisations provide counselling, emotional support and crisis intervention through online platforms (Anderson & Jiang, 2022).
In addition, e-youth work focuses on facilitating socio-emotional learning, helping young people to build positive relationships, self-awareness and empathy through online activities, all of which have a positive impact on their overall well-being (European Commission, 2021)