The so-called digital age of today depicts a constantly evolving information society
that brings new challenges, needs and opportunities, especially for young people.
New information and communication technologies have become central for the
work of youth organisations as they entail emerging opportunities for young
people to participate in the society they live in. Moreover there is a need to
acknowledge that youth organisations and young people, being key content
providers and users, are not only directly affected by information and
communication technology (ICT) developments, but are also largely driving these
developments. Therefore it is important to consider the youth perspective when
elaborating on an “electronic society” (e-society).
Policy makers, institutions and civil society have increasingly recognised the
existing need to discuss the impact of ICT on the participation of young people and
youth organisations in decision making processes. This paper proposes a political
follow up on the Youth Event to the 1st Council of Europe “Conference of Ministers
responsible for Media and New Communication Services” and the Seminar “New
ways of youth participation based on Information and Communication
Technologies”, generating the political debate on the consequences of new media
and communication tools and policies on the involvement of young Europeans in
society. It is also important to keep in mind the global dimension regarding the
development of e-society in order to bridge the gaps between young people living
around the world.
The European Youth Forum sees the need to identify three points in the discourse
on e-society that are of importance for young people. This includes addressing the
digital divide, discussing the efficiency of e-participation tools, and tackling the
possibility to promote democracy and freedom of speech through new
information and communication technologies. Furthermore this paper aims at
putting forward recommendations and proposed actions towards the different
stakeholders affecting the role of young people in e-society.
This Policy Paper addresses only some relevant elements in the discourse on esociety
and its impact on young people and youth organisations. It is clear,
however, that an overarching political response to the effects of new information
and communication technologies on society is needed. Technological innovation
may be unpredictable, but that is why continuous forums involving all stakeholders
in the youth sector need to be established and ready to react commonly through
elaborating the impacts, setting a common perspective and ensuring the
implementation of efficient ICT-tools that promote the active participation of
young people in society, and at the same time ensure the respect for their human
rights.