Digital Streetwork, social workers who assist young people through the Internet

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Digital Streetwork, social workers who assist young people through the Internet

Bavarian Youth Council

Digital Streetwork

Initiative that moves street work with youth to the Internet

Digital Streetwork is a project aimed at individuals between 14 and 27 years old, in which a team of specialists work with youth through chats, social networks, platforms, and phone calls. Some of these spaces include Instagram, Discord, and Reddit. The main objective is to support them in areas such as mental health, school, work, and interpersonal relationships.

Social workers are actively present online and reach out to young people who show a need for support through messages and posts. If they do not wish to establish communication, the conversation stops. Similarly, the workers can be contacted by users who require their help. The program consists of fourteen professionals, two for each local government in Bavaria.

The platform is free and anonymous. Digital workers maintain the confidentiality of conversations and receive training in online counseling and crisis management. In case they cannot address an issue, the professionals connect the youth with specialized organizations.