Youth Digital Governance Research
An investigation into the digital governance challenges facing young people in contemporary online environments, examining platform regulation, algorithmic influence, digital literacy, and rights frameworks.
About the Project
The Youth Digital Governance Research project investigates the governance challenges and policy frameworks that shape the digital environments experienced by young people. It takes a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on political science, education, sociology, and communication studies to examine how platforms, governments, and institutions govern the digital spaces in which young people spend increasing amounts of their time.
The project addresses a wide range of governance dimensions, from platform content moderation and algorithmic recommendation systems to legal frameworks for online safety, digital literacy education, and the rights of young people in digital environments. It pays particular attention to the tension between protection and participation — between shielding young people from harms and enabling their agency as digital citizens.
Research outputs are intended to be useful to policymakers, educators, platform operators, and civil society organizations working on issues of youth digital welfare and rights.
Key Research Themes
Platform Regulation
Analysis of regulatory frameworks governing platforms used by young people, including age verification, content moderation, and data privacy.
Algorithmic Influence
Research on how recommendation algorithms shape the information environments of young people, including exposure to harmful content and filter bubbles.
Digital Literacy and Education
Research on digital literacy frameworks, curricula, and educational interventions designed to support young people's critical engagement with digital environments.
Online Safety Policy
Comparative analysis of national and regional online safety policies and legislation affecting young people, including their implementation and effectiveness.
Youth Digital Rights
Research on the rights of young people in digital environments, including data rights, freedom of expression, and the right to be forgotten.
Civic Participation Online
Research on the potential and limitations of digital civic participation for young people, including online political engagement and digital activism.