Digital youth work is, at its heart, just youth work. It is about meeting young people where they are at and doing what we do best: supporting, guiding and empowering them on their journeys to adulthood. The difference? We're using technology as one of our tools, activities, topics or spaces.
It can be anything from setting up a games console in a youth centre, chatting about online safety during a game of football or heading out to deliver detached youth work with a VR headset to help discuss knife crime or identity.
It is about weaving technology naturally into practice rather than seeing it as a big, scary, separate thing to all other forms of youth work. This is nothing new: youth workers have been using tech for years. From the days of gaming with young people on Sega Mega Drive back in the 1990s to dabbling with the first 3D printers, we've always adapted and included tech in our practice.
Tech has evolved quickly but youth work is more digital than we realise. In fact, if you have sent an email or a WhatsApp message to a young person, you have done youth work digitally.
The world around us is changing at lightning speed, which understandably creates anxiety. Data from Ofcom suggests young people in 2024 spent between six to eight hours or more on social media per day on average.
This means youth workers will need to become more familiar with the new and emerging digital spaces and technologies young people are adopting to keep up with their very digital lives.
Our environments have changed beyond recognition in recent years due to the pandemic. It was a scary, uncertain time. Suddenly we were all pinned to our screens, working in ways many of us were not prepared to do.
Lockdowns meant that if we wanted to keep in touch with young people, we had no choice but to go fully digital. It pushed many of us out of our comfort zones and, once restrictions eased, most of us were itching to get back to face-to-face work.
But that left a big question: what about the young people who couldn't come back to in-person sessions or who weren't engaging with youth work in the first place? Those with disabilities, those facing barriers to accessing physical spaces, or those who simply prefer socialising online?
This is why digital youth work matters and always will. It is about reaching young people in ways that work for them, whether that is using digital tools in a youth centre or working completely online.
Inclusive and accessible
By incorporating digital youth work into any youth work offer, organisations not only ensure their services are more inclusive and accessible, responding to the digital needs of young people, but can also increase their reach more efficiently.
A great example of this is Spectrum Gaming (see case study). The charity uses the Discord online server to connect autistic young people aged 11 to 17 with one another, supported by a team of trusted neurodivergent youth workers, under the guidance of a clinical psychologist.
The project has a broad and varied online programme and members report it is the first place they have felt comfortable making friends.
While the digital youth work workforce is still pretty small, our research shows around 97% of youth workers are already delivering some form of digital youth work, even if they don't call it that or recognise it as such.
As for those who aren't quite there yet, NYA's research into youth workers’ digital skills – sponsored by public sector procurement consultants Fusion21 – found there is a real appetite for training and support.
But it also highlighted a massive gap – the fact digital youth work's potential is not always recognised by leadership and that is something that needs to change. Organisations need to catch up with the modern lives of young people and see tech not as a bolt-on but as part of the fabric of youth work today.
Of course, it is not all smooth sailing. There are real challenges. Digital youth work is not always valued as much as face-to-face practice, as highlighted in our digital skills research.
Digital poverty is a massive issue too and we need to work with fantastic organisations like the Digital Poverty Alliance to tackle that head on.
However, it is worth bearing in mind that there are more internet connections than there are youth centres or indeed youth workers. While that may be an uncomfortable thought amid efforts to rebuild the workforce, it does present opportunities to reach young people in new, innovative ways that work for them.
It is also time to rethink what we mean by “traditional youth work”. Youth work is not about a building, it is about people, relationships, and adapting to the world we live in now. Young people have changed and society has changed so youth work has to change too.
We need to ditch the myth that digital is some kind of “threat” to traditional youth work or a quick fix. It is just another space, another tool, another way to engage.
Concerns about safeguarding and risk management also come up a lot and rightly so. There is a natural fear of the unknown when it comes to online spaces but risks can be managed.
This is about being savvy and versatile, building in verification processes, moderation, and data protection as outlined in our free Digital Youth Work in an Online Setting resource, which can be accessed via our Safeguarding and Risk Management Hub.
Most importantly, we need to stop and listen to young people. We are not expected to chase every new app or trend. We just need to follow young people's interests and be open to where that takes us while keeping an eye on the horizon for what is coming next.
It also means ensuring the tools we use and the activities we offer evolve in order to stay relevant and engaging.
Digital youth work pioneers
My work has brought me into contact with some amazing digital youth work pioneers across the UK and beyond who are already leading the way.
They include Lewis Kay and the Esports Youth Club. Lewis identified that young people who love gaming often have little or no access to consoles or equipment. His solution was to create accessible, pop-up gaming clubs across London through the Esports Youth Club.
It is because of Lewis and other innovators that the NYA developed its new Digital Youth Work Standards in response to a lack of guidance and resources for the sector.
We worked with sector experts to create the standards, which were launched in May this year at Tata Consultancy Services’ Pace Port in London, an innovation hub all about using tech to meet future needs.
The hope is they will give youth work organisations the tools they need to embrace digital properly, help young people navigate online spaces safely and make youth work more relevant and engaging.
They draw on the work of the Digital Directors, 15 young people trained by NYA to investigate what young people want and need from digital youth work, as part of the Routes to Community Success programme funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.
It is not just youth work organisations that need a fresh mindset, we need to educate funders and commissioners of the value of digital youth work too.
There is a need for investment in technology – the hardware and software to facilitate delivery – and there is a clear demand for training from practitioners eager to build their knowledge and extend their practice.
More broadly, government departments need to recognise the role of youth workers in safeguarding young people exposed to incredibly harmful online material, as well as helping to educate them about their digital wellbeing.
Strengthening the Online Safety Act and ensuring measures are in place to keep young people safe online must be implemented at the same time as youth workers help empower young people to navigate the online world responsibly and confidently.
Formal education settings must not be seen as the only space in which education about online safety takes place. Youth work has a crucial role to play in young people's experiences of the digital world and the profession's distinct ability to meet young people where they are – including in online spaces – must be utilised to bridge gaps and keep young people safe.
The publication of our standards is just a starting point and work is now under way to develop further resources to support the sector to grow its practice to include digital, focusing on areas including youth participation, staff training, safeguarding, accessibility and the youth work curriculum.
EFFECTIVE DIGITAL YOUTH WORK: SEVEN STEPS TO SUCCESS
Tips compiled by Bex Pink, national digital innovation lead, National Youth Agency (NYA)
Take your time – trial and test environments. First things first: start by understanding where you are right now and your digital skillset. Don't feel you need to learn every new app, platform or gadget that comes along. Tech moves at lightning speed and by the time we catch up, young people are already using it like it's second nature. Youth work can't – and shouldn't – try to be in every digital space but it is vital we take the time to connect with and understand the platforms young people are using. Explore different tools, try out new platforms and spend time getting comfortable with tech at your own pace through a trial and test approach. This is about confidence, not being a tech expert.
Follow their lead. Social media and tech are deeply woven into young people's lives. This has changed how they communicate, form relationships and express themselves. That is why it is essential we understand the digital world they live in and make sure our support reflects that. This is about meeting young people where they are and walking alongside them, not dragging them to where we think they should be. We build trust by offering genuine connection and being that steady adult presence – no matter the platform. Young people know what they do and don't like and when it comes to tech let their needs and interests guide you, just like you would in any other area of youth work. No one expects you to know it all.
Learn from the best. There is some brilliant digital youth work happening across the country and beyond. Digital youth workers are proud pioneers, keen to share their work and learn together. So make the most of platforms like LinkedIn, join networks, get involved with continuing professional development opportunities and collaborate with sector colleagues. There is a wealth of knowledge out there so tap into it.
You know more than you realise. When you step into a digital space, you bring all your existing skills and experience with you. Your safeguarding knowledge is still key, especially online. There are risks but it is the same as working face-to-face: good risk assessments, dynamic working and professional judgment go a long way. Digital youth work isn't about young people running wild online with no tools or support: it is about creating safe, trusted digital spaces and activities where they can connect with adults and peers they know and trust.
Always wrap it in digital wellbeing. Whatever tool, platform or space you are using, young people's digital wellbeing has to be at the heart of it. Today, there is no clear divide between online and offline in young people's lives – so our work has to reflect that. We need to support young people in navigating both worlds safely. Digital wellbeing, safety and citizenship should be core to our conversations, helping young people to become healthy, happy digital citizens. That means exploring topics like mis- and disinformation, content consumption, online safety, privacy and managing screen time.
Drive a culture of innovation. The culture within organisations directly shapes their ability to adapt and grow. Demonstrating the positive impact of digital youth work is key to changing perceptions. Youth workers need to show the value of digital approaches but leadership teams also need to be open, responsive and willing to empower their staff. This means providing resources, time and support to innovate and evolve in line with young people's needs.
Be future ready. You don't have to know everything but staying connected to future tech developments is crucial. AI felt like it dropped out of the sky when ChatGPT launched but it has been quietly shaping our lives for years, built into everything from smartphones to cars. Being ready for change puts us in a stronger position to respond to young people's needs as they evolve. That could mean keeping an eye out yourself or having a dedicated colleague take on that role – either way, someone in the team should be horizon-scanning.
ESSEX: YOUNG PEOPLE ARE KEY IN SHAPING DIGITAL OFFER
‘Youth Digivators’ help shape Essex's approach
Young people play a central role in shaping the nature and direction of online youth work in Essex.
Essex Youth Service, part of Essex County Council, runs all ideas for changing or introducing online youth services past the Youth Digivators, a group of 11-to 16-year-olds who meet monthly to discuss gaming and the digital landscape.
“Our Youth Digivators are a massive joy and a key part of the development of digital youth work in Essex,” said Paul Phillips, district youth and community worker.
“Rather than us saying ‘we're doing this’, we present it to them and say ‘what do you think?’. Young people live and breathe the online world on a daily basis, they have a good idea about what works and what doesn't.”
Key concerns often raised in discussions with the Youth Digivators include safety and accessibility.
“They worry about who is real and the use of AI and bots, and, if they are talking to a genuine person, are they safe?” says Phillips. “Then there's the issue of equity; they are keen to ensure all young people have the same online opportunities as they do.”
Essex Youth Service runs two online video gaming groups – one specifically for young carers – as well as online craft sessions and workshops.
“Video games are a great form of literacy,” says Phillips. “You can have a great range of conversations about mental health, crime and the justice system. There is a real range you can get from it.”
The digital team has created a virtual youth centre where members can meet and take part in activities such as virtual paintball. There is also an online gallery where young people can display their artwork.
These services have boosted engagement with young people who struggle to access brick-and-mortar youth centres, such as those who live in rural areas or have caring responsibilities.
“It's also a good way to engage with young people with autism and those who are socially anxious, as they feel they have a bit of control in how they present themselves,” explains Phillips.
However, dealing with young people in a digital setting has presented challenges around contextual safeguarding.
“Some young people will have their cameras and microphones on, and we can have a good conversation with them,” says Phillips.
“But what about those young people who aren't confident yet but are using the chat section? We must be mindful of what they are communicating and the emotions behind it. We've got to piece that together, especially when having difficult conversations, and think about how we respond to that in a text-based setting.”
It is also important to be aware that some young people may be experiencing digital poverty.
“Not everyone has the resources to have their camera and microphone on and the wifi to do that,” says Phillips. “So we need to have the text space open to them to have those conversations.”
The next step for Essex Youth Service is to launch a pilot of the social networking platform Discord. “Our young people told us that, in terms of communication, traditional forms like email are not the best option,” says Phillips. “They proposed the idea of using Discord, so that is what we're going to trial.”
- More at: www.youth.essex.gov.uk/join-us-online
NORTH WEST: SAFE SPACES FOR THOSE WITH AUTISM
Spectrum Gaming began in the pandemic to provide a safe space for autistic young people to make connections
Spectrum Gaming was founded in 2020 to provide a safe and supportive online community for autistic young people facing isolation in lockdown.
It now has more than 1,700 members and runs three community Discord servers – one for under-13s, one for teenagers and another for Minecraft players – each supervised by trusted adults.
But, as general manager Benjamin Wilson points out, there is more to the charity's work than just video games.
“Gaming is part of our identity, but we're so much more than just that,” he says. “Spectrum Gaming is about helping autistic young people make connections in whatever way they feel most comfortable. We also offer online movie nights, an online cooking club and face-to-face meet-ups.”
Spectrum Gaming opened a community centre in Bury, Greater Manchester, last year, from where it hosts events and runs alternative education provision three days a week.
Wilson said the biggest challenge the organisation faced in its early years was growing sustainably in the face of strong demand.
“We started in response to the pandemic, and there was no rulebook to follow,” he says.
Initially, the charity's Discord servers were open round the clock, but this had to be scaled back to 10am to 10pm to prevent staff burnout.
The charity also had to place some restrictions on who could apply for membership.
In the early days, any autistic young person in the UK could apply. Now the charity focuses on young people living in the North West – specifically St Helens, Liverpool, Sheffield and those registered with a Lancashire County Council scheme. However, it also accepts applications from young people in Bedford in the East of England.
“We would love to be open to anyone around the UK, but we were oversubscribed in 2021 and 2022,” says Wilson.
“We had to define our strategy and boundaries and streamline who we could accept.”
The charity has about 25 staff members, many of whom have lived experience of autism. Some young people who joined as teenagers during the pandemic have become volunteers.
Wilson advises organisations looking to start or expand a digital service to consult with the young people who will be using it.
“Have inclusivity embedded in the heart of the organisation – don't make it tokenistic,” he says. “Ask the people who you're creating the service for what they want. Get their feedback, listen to their views.”
- More at: www.spectrumgaming.net
CARDIFF: TEACHING DIGITAL SKILLS EMPOWERS USERS
Young people express themselves through podcasts
The award-winning digital team at Cardiff Youth Service runs a range of online services, including three moderated Discord servers and one-to-one support. More than 380 young people are registered to use the servers, 85% of whom had not engaged with the youth service before signing up.
However, Dayle Luce, youth development officer, emphasises that the team doesn't view digital youth work purely through an online lens.
“Often digital youth work is only seen as an online method of working, but we see it as a much broader concept,” he said.
A key part of the team's offering includes teaching digital skills to young people in person.
Cardiff Youth Service has a digital youth work curriculum that offers training in film-making, podcasting, presenting, 3D printing, e-sports, animation and coding.
As an Agored Cymru centre – accredited by the Welsh awarding body Agored Cymru – it offers nationally-recognised qualifications in photography, editing and content creation for online communities.
The organisation also runs a content creators group that meets weekly and produces a news-style show, Butetown Buzz and Beyond.
“Digital tools are a vehicle that allows us to do youth work,” Luce said. “For example, if you're training young people in film-making, editing and script writing, you're empowering them to tell their own stories and shape where and how they get published.”
As well as gaining skills that could lead to education or job opportunities, young people are learning problem-solving, communication and collaboration.
Podcasting, in particular, has proved to be a powerful medium in terms of engagement.
“We've learned that podcasting is an authentic way for young people to express themselves,” says Luce.
“Lots of them don't want to be on film, and, similar to Discord, they might not use their real names; they might use their username so they have some anonymity. But it's a great way to have informal conversations and a fantastic consultative tool.”
Luce suggested organisations looking to widen their digital offering explore examples of good practice, reach out to local tech-based organisations and draw on the skills of staff members who are avid technology users.
Cardiff's digital team is currently helping to form a peer network for digital youth work practitioners in Wales to share knowledge and experiences. It can also deliver training for other organisations at cost.
- More at: www.cardiffyouthservices.wales/digital and for more information about the peer network and training contact Dayle.Luce@cardiff.gov.uk
