Digital Media & LGBTQ+ Youth: Benefits, Risks, Recommendations

Aims of the tool

The guidebook aims to strengthen the digital wellbeing of LGBTQ+ youth by explaining how digital media affects their lives and by equipping youth workers with practical methods, strategies, and knowledge to support, empower, and protect queer young people online.

Description of the tool

This guidebook provides an in-depth understanding of how digital media influences the wellbeing, identity development, and daily lives of LGBTQ+ youth. It explains both the opportunities, such as access to information, community building, and creative expression, and the risks, including cyberbullying, hate speech, misinformation, privacy issues, and sexualization. Drawing on research, focus groups, and expert interviews from several European countries, it offers practical methods for youth workers to support queer young people in navigating digital spaces safely and confidently.

Through this resource, learners develop a deeper awareness of the specific online experiences of LGBTQ+ youth, gain concrete skills to facilitate discussions and activities around digital wellbeing, and strengthen their ability to create safe, affirming environments. It enables youth workers to guide young people in building resilience, setting boundaries, reflecting on their digital habits, and engaging with media in a critical, empowered and healthy way.