Some colleagues feel ashamed or uncomfortable using AI openly.

AI seen as a “co-pilot,” not a replacement for human thinking.

Useful for structure, drafting, writing, and idea generation.

AI reliability depends on the task.

AI makes mistakes and should not be trusted blindly.

Fact-checking and cross-checking outputs are essential.

AI compared to “a toddler with a huge brain.”

Prompting skills are becoming essential.

Experimentation and trial-and-error help build AI literacy.

Expertise takes time — avoid passive dependence on AI.

Need to discuss ethical limits and boundaries of AI use.

Youth work can help young people reflect critically on AI.

Creativity also comes from silence, reflection, and independent thinking.

AI can support creativity and learning when used intentionally.

Question raised: how much AI-assisted work is still “your own”?

Tension between inspiration, imitation, originality, and authorship.

Humans know where their inspirations come from; AI does not.

Encourage young people to explain and reflect on their creative process.

Important to question who influences opinions and narratives online.

Suggested creating “challenge groups” for critical discussion and reflection.

Educate and support parents, adults, and children in understanding digital platforms and social media use.

Young people often learn behaviours through observation and imitation on social media.

Digital parenting and digital education should help define what is acceptable and expected from both young people and parents.

There is a need to protect children and young people from harmful or manipulative online environments.

Digital health concerns were raised, especially around addictive algorithms and excessive screen use.

Participants discussed the need for age limits and clearer regulations for digital platforms.

Some participants suggested that countries could introduce stronger regulatory approaches, similar to restrictions used for harmful products or substances.

Reflection was raised on whether digital platforms should face stricter accountability measures.

The idea of finding balance between innovation, freedom, and protection was discussed.

Communities and organisations should work together rather than leaving individuals alone to decide how to approach digital tools.

Practical digital literacy and critical thinking education are needed to help young people navigate online environments safely.

Participants highlighted the importance of helping young people distinguish between online and offline reality.

Concerns were raised about social media companies benefiting financially from users’ attention and data.

Endorsing popular tools can unintentionally support business models that may not align with youth work values.

Privacy restrictions and data protection remain an important concern when using mainstream digital platforms.

Participants discussed the tension between staying modern and relevant while also protecting young people.

Using popular platforms can help connect with young people and support communication, but may also normalise problematic systems.

Social media platforms were described as products driven by commercial goals rather than educational or wellbeing purposes.

There was discussion about whether youth work organisations should develop common ethical guidelines or shared positions on platform use.

Participants recognised that completely avoiding mainstream platforms may isolate youth work from young people’s realities and communication spaces.

The importance of moderation, informed use, and conscious decision-making when selecting tools was highlighted.

Digital interactions can sometimes reduce authentic or physical social interaction.

Remaining relevant in digital youth work requires continuous reflection on ethics, safety, influence, and the unintended consequences of platform use.

AI can support tasks, but humans should stay in control.

AI is useful for support work, not for replacing people.

AI helps with structure, drafts, and getting started.

AI may increase stress and pressure on wellbeing.

AI risks excluding people with lower digital skills.

Human opinions are imperfect, but authentic.

AI outputs can seem more polished and convincing.

Vulnerability and human touch are irreplaceable.

Emotional support requires real human presence.

AI should not handle sensitive emotional situations alone.

Free digital tools often rely on exploiting user data.

AI and the internet may disrupt creative jobs and society.

Youth work should stay focused on mentorship and facilitation.

Human connection is the “magic” youth work must protect.

Overdependence on AI may weaken social interaction skills.

Digital environments can become addictive.

Online spaces constantly expose users to advertising and influence.

“Digital detox” and no-phone spaces were suggested.

Youth work should help reconnect young people to real-life relationships and communities.

Maybe we don't need to fight it, we can use it for our specific purposes.

We can use their approach (algorithms) to serve our aims, but being aware of the dangers and how much we are giving away (information, personal data). Make a clear intention considering dangers and opportunities.

Should we use intentionally the approach of algorithm (creating FOMO - Fear of missing out, to sell an idea/event to attract young people? Is it ethical if its with a positive intention/purpose?

(Our view, that it is Ok if it doesn't harm/hurt anyone). ALSO, we can inform young people of using such approach, so that they are aware/concious of their participation

Bridge between privare and civic society to support use of such tools with social/value based purpose.

If using "ads" for example to supprot platforms, choose ethically and consciously which business/corporations/initiatives you allow and include.

Digital youth work is not suitable or accessible for everyone.

Participants highlighted examples of governments providing tablets or devices to support young people’s digital access.

Quality internet access was identified as a key issue for inclusion.

Governments and public systems were seen as having responsibility to ensure access to high-speed internet and universal digital services.

Concerns were raised that people living in disadvantaged situations, including low-income households and rural areas, are often left behind in digital participation.

Participants stressed that engaging in digital youth work services should remain a personal choice for young people.

Some young people or groups may actively choose not to participate in digital activities, and this choice should be respected.

The COVID-19 period was highlighted as an example of how physical youth services can disappear when digital services become dominant.

Participants challenged the assumption that “everyone is online” or equally connected.

Questions were raised about who benefits from digital youth work and who may become excluded.

Participants reflected on the need to identify who wants digital access, who does not want it, and who genuinely needs additional support to gain access.

Digital activities may attract some young people while unintentionally excluding others with fewer resources, weaker connectivity, or lower digital confidence.

Healthy digitalisation should be promoted alongside strong attention to young people’s mental health.

Participants highlighted that there is a very thin line between supporting digital engagement and negatively affecting wellbeing.

Sharing images and pictures of young people online can create delicate or risky situations related to privacy, safety, and consent.

Promoting projects, initiatives, or activities online may unintentionally contribute to data collection and commercial exploitation by digital companies.

Online communities can create important spaces of belonging and support for excluded or isolated young people.

Digital tools and online support systems can help young people cope with different life situations and challenges.

Participants recognised both risks and opportunities in digital youth work, especially around wellbeing, inclusion, visibility, and data ethics.

Keep and strengthen human connection.

Protect safe spaces and trust-based environments already offered by organisations.

Make space for wellbeing, reflection, and even “digital detox”.

Protect creativity and critical thinking in the age of AI and algorithmic influence.

Build digital capacities for all staff, not only specialists.

Develop organisational cultures that are adaptive, experimental, and open to learning.

Let go of fear of failure and become more comfortable with uncertainty and experimentation.

“Embrace the chaos” as part of transformation processes.

Move from ad hoc reactions towards more strategic approaches.

Protect privacy and personal data.

Develop more conscious approaches to technology use.

Cooperate with digitally skilled people and communities instead of trying to solve everything internally.

Use a more intentional process:
Research → Strategy → Action

Build expertise on AI and digitalisation within the youth work field.

Create stronger cultures of lifelong learning and continuous adaptation.

Share knowledge, practices, tools, and experiences across the sector.

Create more space for experimentation and learning by doing.

Develop common tools, frameworks, or guidelines together instead of everyone responding alone.

Protect privacy and personal data.

Ensure young people are involved in decision-making around technology and regulation.

Create safe spaces for experimentation that are not fully controlled by governments or Big Tech companies.

Critically analyse regulations, platform power, and technological influence.

Rework how information is shared and controlled in society.

Youth work needs to understand and respond to broader societal changes.

Employment and future work are becoming increasingly unpredictable.

Youth work can support transversal human skills such as communication, relationships, adaptability, reflection, and social connection.

The field may not need to “fight” Big Tech directly, but should consciously navigate and influence digital realities.

How do we use mainstream technologies without becoming dependent on them?

How do we balance innovation with ethics and wellbeing?

How do we create safe digital spaces without overregulation?

Should youth work develop its own tools and infrastructures?

Could AI tools such as chatbots support first contact and accessibility while keeping human relationships central?