The National Youth Agency (NYA) has launched a new Digital Youth Work e-learning course designed to help practitioners keep abreast of new technology, understand what good digital youth work looks like and crucially, support young people to manage their digital wellbeing.
Funded by the Fusion21 Foundation, the free self-led CPD resource responds to research highlighting the need for stronger digital skills across the youth work sector. It will also provide youth workers with greater confidence supporting young people in a range of online environments ahead of the social restrictions set to come into force by spring 2027. With research by Ygam last year revealing that the average time children, aged 7 to 17, spend gaming has increased to 20.4 hours per week, up from 16.8 hours in 2024, the training aims to help practitioners establish appropriate boundaries and create safe, positive opportunities for engagement both online and offline.
Digital youth work is the use of digital technologies to support and enhance youth work practice. It can take place online, in person or through blended approaches, using tools and platforms such as Discord and Zoom groups, gaming environments including Roblox and Minecraft, podcasts, gaming, esports, coding activities and virtual reality.
Digital approaches can help youth services reach those who otherwise might not be able to access vital youth work support because of geography, health conditions or other barriers, while building digital skills and strengthening community connections.
The new e-learning programme follows the publication of NYA’s Digital Youth Work Standards and responds to NYA research which found that youth workers lacked confidence using digital tools.
Through four interactive modules, learners will explore digital youth work fundamentals; safeguarding; emerging technologies including artificial intelligence; and approaches to digital literacy, online safety and wellbeing.
”"Young people are growing up in a world where digital and physical experiences are increasingly intertwined, but many youth workers tell us they lack the confidence or support to fully engage with digital practice. This resource has been developed to address that challenge. We want practitioners to feel confident in delivering safe and inclusive digital youth spaces. What matters is staying curious, keeping focus on youth work values and involving young people in designing digital activities that meet their needs and interests."
Bex PinkNational Digital Innovation Lead, NYA
Digital activities can help engage young people who may face barriers to attending traditional provision because of geography, disability, long-term health conditions, anxiety or caring responsibilities. As new social media restrictions come into force, youth work will need to continue operating in digital spaces to ensure young people can access trusted support, information and guidance as they navigate adolescence and the transition to adulthood.
To support the rollout of the training, NYA will host a series of webinars beginning in Medi 2026, with follow-up sessions in Hydref and Tachwedd and further events planned throughout 2027. The webinars will provide practical guidance and examples of digital youth work in action.
