Search

This study aims to explore the existing state of play when it comes to digitalisation and social inclusion of young people. The overall question leading this study was: “What is the intersection between social inclusion and digitalisation?”. In order to explore this intersection, three main sub- questions were used: 1) What are the relevant policies, legal frameworks and practices at European, national and local level looking at the intersection of social inclusion and digitalisation in the youth field? ; 2) What are the instruments (tools, platforms) that the national and local authorities, or other entities, have been developing to train the specialists in the youth field (the youth workers, youth educators, youth specialists, civil servants) to work on digitalisation and social inclusion o that the state and non-state actors make available for young people in order to respond to their needs and interests related to digitalization? ; and 3) What are the potential risks and opportunities of digitalisation for young people – especially for the ones that are at risk of social exclusion? Considering the research questions stated above, the objectives of the study are the following: 1) To offer a general review of the European, national and local youth policies, focusing on social inclusion and digitalisation ; 2) To present existing practices, based on a brief analysis of the national, transnational and local projects ; and 3) To present potential risks and opportunities of digitalisation. In terms of data collection, two main methods used were: 1. The online questionnaire using open questions. Data was collected using an online questionnaire answered by EKCYP correspondents and youth organisations across Europe ; and 2) Desk review of relevant documents. The researchers conducted a desk review of mainly secondary sources (literature, legislation, action plans, governmental programmes, resolutions and decisions). Desk analysis was complemented by the secondary analysis of data collected during the EU’s 6th Cycle of Structured Dialogue.

Digital methods, tools and platforms, and their unexplored potential in the youth sector, have created much enthusiasm within the youth field. This Youth Knowledge publication explores the intersection between digitalisation and social inclusion of young people, reflecting especially on how digitalisation affects young people’s lives, and what the role of youth policy, youth work and youth research can be in this respect. Can the digital revolution help us to tackle existing inequalities, or does it leave some young people even further behind? Is the digital world equally accessible to all young people? What are some of the inherent inequalities within the digital sphere? Do digital tools enable youth organisations, youth workers or state bodies to “reach out” to marginalised young people? In these 16 chapters, the authors critically examine if and how digitalisation can support the quest for social inclusion, ranging from the exploration of policies, tools and platforms available to young people and youth workers in Europe, supporting young people’s access to education and employment opportunities, opening up avenues for digital youth work, providing opportunities for participation for young people with disabilities, channels of integration for migrant communities and young refugees across Europe and support networks for young LGBTI persons. While there is an acknowledgement of the potential for the youth sector to use the possibilities of digitalisation to address social inequality, the authors also emphasise that this does not happen automatically, and more reflection is needed regarding the accessibility of technology and how our digital approaches can be made inclusive for young people from all backgrounds.