Digital Youth Work

Digital Youth Work is the use and integration of digital tools, activities and topics into youth work practice. It’s not a separate discipline within youth work, and is not about replacing face-to-face delivery, but can be embedded within all areas of practice to improve accessibility and engagement, as well as enhance outcomes for young people.

Examples of Digital Youth Work could include:

• Connecting with young people through social media channels
• Using Discord to deliver a session on healthy relationships.
• Discussing online safety and wellbeing during a sporting activity such as football.
• Working on skills development using Minecraft.
• Utilising the power of VR to explore identity and belonging.

As the use of digital technologies by young people continues to grow, it’s crucial that digital wellbeing, online safety and digital literacy is woven into all youth work practice.

With 15-17 year-olds spending 6 hours and 20 minutes seven hours online every day, according to OfCom, we want to make sure youth workers are as prepared and feel confident about delivering youth work in the digital age.  It can take place in any environment, and much like with detached or street-based, work in the secure estate or centre based, youth work should be in a place that meets the diverse needs of young people, including digitally and online.

Technology and the online world is not new and with 90% of young people spending time online in England, and with technology part of their everyday lives, the internet and digital opportunities that this area of work presents are essential to remain relevant, engaging and resourced for current and future generations to come.

Incorporating digital delivery into all youth work services will enable youth workers and organisations to engage young people in new ways, offer more flexible opportunities and increase accessibility to youth work.

This is about more than tools, it’s about leadership, safeguarding, workforce development, and reimagining services for a digital-first world. 

The Introduction to Digital Youth Work resource is a practical guide for youth workers covering key principles, challenges, and opportunities in digital youth work. What you’ll discover 

• What digital youth work is
• Opportunities to reflect on your current digital engagement and experiences of technology 
• A reminder that youth work doesn’t need to be in every digital space or use every tool – but it must be intentional, informed, and connected to the technologies young people are using
• The importance of safeguarding and wellbeing in all digital interactions 
• The need to horizon scan – to understand and respond to emerging technologies and trends 
• Practical steps to help you build adaptable, forward-thinking services