As digital platforms used by young people continue to evolve, and in some cases disappear, the need for safe, supportive online environments has never been greater.
In April, Youth Work Virtual launched an innovative not-for-profit digital youth work platform designed to help young people connect, learn, and thrive online. Developed through an Erasmus+ funded partnership involving Youth Work Ireland, the Digital Design Lab at TUS, and Youth Work Ireland Tipperary, the initiative offers a new vision for how digital spaces can support young people’s wellbeing, participation, and development.
Responding to a Growing Need
The announcement comes at a critical time. With the closure of popular online youth platforms such as Rec-Room and Horizon expected in June 2026, many young people and youth organisations face the loss of valuable digital spaces that have supported connection, creativity, and engagement.
At the same time, parents, educators, youth workers, and policymakers are increasingly asking important questions:
- How can young people benefit from online spaces without being exposed to harm?
- What does a truly safe digital environment look like?
- Who is creating online spaces that prioritise young people’s wellbeing over profit?
Youth Work Virtual aims to provide a practical answer.
Designed With Young People, Not Just For Them
What sets Youth Work Virtual apart is its commitment to a “Safety by Design” approach. Rather than adding safety features as an afterthought, safety has been built into the platform from the very beginning.
Young people have been actively involved in shaping the platform’s design, ensuring that their experiences, needs, and aspirations inform every stage of development. This co-design process reflects international best practice and aligns with recommendations from organisations such as the OECD, Eurochild, and the 5Rights Foundation.
By placing young people at the centre of decision-making, the project seeks to create a digital environment that is both engaging and genuinely protective.
Supporting the Future of Youth Work
The platform has been specifically designed to support youth workers in delivering high-quality digital youth work across Ireland and Europe.
Youth Work Virtual will provide:
- Safe and secure online spaces for youth engagement
- Digital tools that support structured youth work programmes
- Resources and guidance for youth workers
- Accessible opportunities for young people who may face barriers to in-person participation
- Inclusive environments that encourage learning, creativity, and connection
The platform recognises that digital youth work is no longer an optional extra, it is an essential part of reaching and supporting young people in today’s world.
Expanding Access and Inclusion
For many young people, particularly those living in rural communities, experiencing social isolation, or facing other barriers to participation, online spaces can provide vital opportunities to connect with peers and trusted adults.
Through virtual environments, gaming platforms, social media engagement, and other digital tools, Youth Work Virtual seeks to ensure that no young person is excluded from meaningful youth work opportunities because of geography, circumstance, or accessibility challenges.
Building Safer Digital Futures
As conversations around online safety continue to grow, Youth Work Virtual demonstrates how the youth sector can lead the way in creating digital environments that are safe, inclusive, and empowering.
By combining youth participation, innovative technology, and evidence-based practice, the project offers a positive alternative to commercial platforms and a model for what digital youth work can achieve.
The launch of Youth Work Virtual represents more than a new online service, it marks an important step towards a future where young people can confidently explore, connect, and grow in digital spaces designed with their wellbeing at heart.