Youth work in the online lifeworld
Young people are growing up in a world where their online and offline lives are increasingly intertwined. Social media, online games and messaging platforms offer opportunities to build friendships, develop talents and access information, but they also expose young people to risks such as cyberbullying, misinformation and harmful online influences. This thesis explores how youth workers can support young people in this digital environment.Based on qualitative research conducted in collaboration with fourteen youth work organisations across the Netherlands, the study demonstrates that online youth work is a valuable extension of offline youth work practice. By being present and accessible on the digital platforms where young people spend their time, youth workers are better able to connect with their everyday lives, identify when support is needed and provide timely guidance and assistance.The findings offer a practical framework for online youth work and show how online and offline approaches can complement and strengthen one another. In doing so, this research provides new scientific insights as well as practical guidance for youth work professionals and policymakers seeking to support young people effectively in an increasingly digital society.