Digitalisation
The way the world works is changing. Our jobs, relationships, education, democratic engagement and day to day lives are being shaped by digitalisation.
A digitalised world brings so many new possibilities, but also presents many challenges. In the labour market for example, digital skills are becoming more and more important, however, not everyone has the same opportunities to develop these skills.
As the group most connected to the internet, young people are naturally among the most affected by opportunities it presents but also new risks associated with digitalisation.
What needs to happen?
Decision-makers must act to prevent a digital divide! All young people must have equal access to information and communication technologies (ICT) and to a free, open and neutral internet.
Decision-makers must establish specific educational programmes for youth on digitalisation and the use of digital technology, including young people’s participation in the decision-making process linked to digitalisation.
Decision-makers and employers must manage the impacts of digitalisation and constant connectivity on young people’s social skills and their mental health as well as regulate emerging technologies that monitor and surveil employees, respecting the right to privacy of workers and giving them ownership over the data that they create at work.
The digital challenges for young people
The online world is not without its dangers. Young people today are the first generation to have most of their lives reflected in online data, raising concerns about privacy, safety and wellbeing.
Young people's rights must be protected and we can't let technology companies make these decisions for us. Policymakers and citizens must also have their say! Read our Policy Paper to find out about our solutions and demands for the digital Europe that young people want.
Our must read!
Think about how the digital world influences our lives. Is the internet a free, open space? Who controls what we read, buy, see and watch online? What is our personal data being used for?
Our Pineapple Report puts forward a range of proposals on what policymakers, institutions and society at large can do.
Related news and publications
Calling for access to education, civic space and funding for young people and youth organisations in Türkiye
The European Youth Forum and our member organisations urge the government to strengthen access to education and adequate housing, civic space and funding for young people and youth organisations in Türkiye.
Mainstreaming youth rights in the UN human rights mechanisms
This paper analyses the extent in which young people’s rights are accounted for under three of the UN’s human rights mechanisms: the Universal Periodic Review, the UN Treaty Bodies, and the UN Special Procedures.
Making Digitalisation Work for Young People
Young people today are the first generation to have most of their lives reflected in online data, raising concerns about privacy, safety and wellbeing.