Youth work, young people and their digital lives

This article was featured in the SCDC Weekly - 27th May 2026

A new report from YouthLink Scotland has set out the challenges young people face around the impact of online harms, and the role youth work can play in supporting young people online.

Responding to the Growing up in the online world UK government consultation, the report outlines the significant and growing concern amongst both youth workers and young people about their lives online.

90% of respondents to YouthLink’s survey of youth workers said that children and young people’s rights and wellbeing must come first in decisions about the online world - but 81% said that current systems and legislation do not adequately protect young people’s rights online.

Almost all respondents said that government action should prioritise health and wellbeing over commercial interests, and that youth work provides "uniquely trusted spaces” to explore these issues.

"Youth work is an essential element in delivering digital literacy education and has a vital role to play as part of an overall public health approach."