Awero team
How youth work organisations can start with digital youth work
18 Apr, 21:20
Many youth work organisations feel unsure or overwhelmed when starting with digital youth work.
They often fear that digital tools will replace real connection or distract from what’s meaningful. It’s not about changing what youth work is, but updating how we stay connected with young people. During the international seminar “Digital Systemic,” we asked digital youth work experts to share their insights and advice on how youth work organisations can start their journey.
Scroll down to discover inspiring resources and examples to start with digital youth work.
Digital doesn’t kill youth work - it can support its goals.
The fear that digital tools will take away from genuine relationships is understandable. But as Monique, the director of the CITI - Curaçao Innovation & Technology Institute, said, “Youth well-being is one of the goals of youth work. Young people spend a lot of time in digital spaces. If youth work doesn’t engage with their digital lives, we only support part of their well-being.”
Being present in digital spaces doesn’t mean we leave behind core values - it means we apply them in new contexts.
Working at the Marlijn Academie/3Antonius in the Netherlands, Paul reminded us: “You don’t need to choose between youth work and digital youth work. You can combine both.” It’s not either-or - it’s and. Paul added, “The technical part can be solved if the tool fits the goal in youth work.” Start with purpose, not with hardware.
Know your target group—online and offline
To fully support young people, we have to understand their lives. Monique suggested building a youth profile that includes their digital world: where they go online, what platforms they use, and what matters to them.
Vismantas, a youth worker at the Open Youth Centre in Panevezys, Lithuania, added: “You need to see the bigger picture. Is your aim to bring young people to your centre, or is it enough to meet them where they are - on the street or online?”
Youth work isn’t tied to a building. It’s tied to relationships. And those happen in many spaces now.
Don’t panic about VR or tech buzzwords
When youth workers hear “digital,” they often imagine expensive tech or advanced skills. “When someone hears ‘digital youth work’, they think VR rooms. Youth workers say, ‘I don’t know anything about VR,’” said Monique.
But digital youth work doesn’t have to start with complex tools. “Some people don’t realise that what they’re already doing is digital youth work,” she said. “Digital means having awareness and a mindset.”
Reflect on your current practices before buying new tools or making big plans. What you’re already doing might be more digital than you think.
Think like an entrepreneur
Samari, the director of business development and training at TAO Curaçao in Curaçao, observed that many youth organisations aren’t using digital tools. “To start, they need to activate an entrepreneurial mindset - see the possibilities, set realistic goals, assess their resources, and take initiative.”
This mindset shift - from fear to opportunity - is often the most critical step.
Paul agreed: “Sometimes you just need a push.” It doesn’t have to be perfect - begin.
Learn from others and start small
You don’t have to invent everything yourself. Paul suggested looking at what other youth workers are already doing. Explore examples on digital platforms, from Minecraft and VR to digital rights and AI.
Vismantas recommended free learning tools from the business world: “Try Zoom, Google Classroom, YouTube.” These tools are already accessible and familiar to many young people.
Don’t let funding fears stop you
Maya, the founder and coordinator at GreenKidz Foundation in Curaçao, voiced a common concern: “New tech costs money and gets outdated fast. When you bring in someone skilled in digital work, you can become dependent on them.”
These are real challenges, but they’re not unique to digital work. She pointed out that youth work also depends on buildings, cars, and staff.
Sandra from the Dutch Cities of Learning added: “Spending a whole day supporting a young person in a hospital is seen as a need. Spending money to reach them online is often seen as a luxury.”
Maybe it’s time to change that view. If digital spaces are where young people are, then showing up there is just as essential.
Use what you already have
Kaya, a social media manager and workshop facilitator at the Creation Hub in Slovenia, encouraged organisations to start from their strengths: “Start with the resources and skills your organisation already has. Ask youth workers and young people what they already do in digital spaces. Sometimes the fear is bigger than the problem.”
A short team conversation can reveal digital habits, hidden skills, or interests you can build on. There’s no need to start from zero.
Take one step at a time
Joey from the Dutch Cities of Learning said: “Start with small steps, using guides on beginning digital youth work. Then grow into a full picture.”
Like youth work itself, going digital is a journey, not a destination.
He shared a simple example: “When someone mentions Discord, youth workers don’t always know it. But when they hear how it’s used, they begin to understand.”
Start by exploring. Try a tool, ask a young person to show you how it works, and talk about what you could do with it together.
Digital youth work is flexible, but it still needs skills
Nejc, the digital youth work consultant at the Creation Hub in Slovenia, pointed out: “Digital youth work is very agile and flexible. If something doesn’t work, you try another way.”
Adaptability is a considerable strength, but Nejc added, “Troubleshooting is a skill not everyone has.”
So while it’s okay to experiment, investing in learning and peer support is also smart. Mistakes will happen - that’s how we learn.
Explore resources to start with digital youth work
Want to try Discord? Here’s a video from Nejc explaining how he uses it in youth work. Follow a simple guide to help you start.
Another helpful video on how to use Discord in youth work practice.
Want to assess your organisation’s digital competencies and capacities? Try these self-assessment tools to map where you stand.
Looking for inspiration? Our Digital Youth Work platform features examples of digital youth work, from creative digital youth work projects to digital rights education.
This blog post is part of the Digital Systemic initiative - helping youth work organisations take real, practical steps into digital youth work. You don’t need all the answers to begin. You need the willingness to learn, reflect, and try.
The Cities of Learning Network members carry out the Erasmus+ co-funded cooperation partnership, involving the following organisations:
- Awero, Lithuania, info@awero.org
- Breakthrough Foundation, Netherlands
- Curaçao Innovation & Technology Institute (CITI)
- TiPovej! Zavod - Institute for Creative Society, Slovenia
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