Empowering Youth to Shape the Digital Future
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, young people are more connected to technology and data than ever before. As the primary users and target audience for many new innovations, it is crucial that their voices are amplified and their perspectives are heard when it comes to the governance and impact of emerging digital tools and platforms.
Across the globe, youth are increasingly speaking up to address societal issues, leveraging digital spaces and social media to organize, document, and share information. From climate activism to racial justice movements, young people are harnessing the power of technology to drive positive change. However, their unique insights and ideas are often overlooked or excluded from the decision-making processes that shape the digital world.
At Stanley Park High School, we believe it is essential to empower our students to become active participants in shaping the data and digital future. By amplifying young voices and creating opportunities for meaningful engagement, we can ensure that the development and use of new technologies aligns with the needs, values, and aspirations of the next generation.
Amplifying Youth Voices in Data Governance
Data and digital technologies have become deeply integrated into nearly every aspect of our lives, from how we communicate and access information to how we make important decisions. As youth are increasingly immersed in these digital spaces, it is crucial that they have a say in how data and technology are governed and deployed.
The Datasphere Initiative has recognized the importance of including young people in data governance discussions. Through their #Youth4OurDataFuture project, they have conducted a series of interviews with youth leaders from around the world, exploring their perspectives on the impact and use of data-driven technologies.
These young participants shared valuable insights on the role of data and digital tools in their communities, highlighting both the opportunities and the risks. They emphasized the need for greater inclusion, education, and consideration of digital welfare when it comes to the development of new technologies.
“Young people have ideas on how to use data and increase awareness of its power to positively impact their communities,” the Datasphere Initiative notes. “Including them in data governance and digital policy conversations is an imperative step toward building a more equitable data future.”
Fostering Digital Citizenship and Activism
At Stanley Park High School, we understand that empowering young people to become active citizens in the digital sphere extends beyond just data governance. It’s about equipping our students with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to navigate the online world, engage in digital activism, and amplify their voices for positive change.
As educators, we have a responsibility to support our students in developing critical digital literacies. This includes helping them understand the impact of technology on their lives, recognize online biases and misinformation, and leverage digital tools for civic engagement and social justice.
Research from CITE Journal has highlighted the powerful ways in which activists have used digital spaces and social media to mobilize the public, document injustices, and spread information to a wider audience. By bringing these practices and texts into the classroom, we can empower our students to become digitally literate citizens who are equipped to enact positive change.
One inspiring example is the work of Shakem Amen Akhet, a community organizer and educator in Charleston, South Carolina. Shakem has leveraged digital tools and social media to educate, empower, and advocate for his community, particularly around issues of racial justice and youth empowerment.
Through his use of Facebook Live, blog posts, and other online platforms, Shakem has amplified the narratives and concerns of marginalized groups, while also pushing back against harmful mainstream discourses. He has also worked to support and empower young people, both in the classroom and in the community, helping them find their voice and engage in activism.
Cultivating a Culture of Digital Activism
At Stanley Park High School, we are committed to creating a culture that encourages and supports digital activism among our students. We believe that by providing them with the tools, resources, and opportunities to engage in these important conversations and initiatives, we can help shape a more equitable and just digital future.
One way we are doing this is through the Amplify project, a two-year transatlantic initiative that brings together youth organizations, networks, and associations from across Canada and Europe. Through participatory workshops and collaborative research, young people are exploring issues related to gender inequality, climate change, and violent extremism, and co-creating solutions to address these challenges.
“Amplify goes digital: stories that can change the world” is a key component of this project, where young digital influencers from Montreal have come together to share how they are using online platforms to drive social change. By learning from these inspiring examples, our students can gain valuable insights and ideas for their own digital activism efforts.
Additionally, we are committed to incorporating digital activism and civic engagement into our curriculum. In our English Language Arts courses, for example, students may analyze the use of digital texts and tools by activists, explore the power of counter-narratives, and even create their own digital content to raise awareness and advocate for important causes.
By fostering a culture of digital activism, we aim to empower our students to become agents of change, using their voices and their digital skills to shape the world around them. Whether they are addressing issues of social justice, environmental sustainability, or community well-being, we believe that our students have the potential to make a meaningful impact through their engagement in the digital sphere.
Navigating Risks and Responsibilities
While the opportunities presented by digital activism are vast, we also recognize the potential risks and challenges that come with navigating these online spaces. As young people become more involved in these critical conversations and initiatives, they may face backlash, harassment, or even legal scrutiny.
It is essential that we, as educators, provide our students with the support and guidance they need to engage safely and responsibly in digital activism. This includes helping them understand the importance of protecting their digital identity, respecting the privacy and safety of others, and being mindful of the potential consequences of their online actions.
We also recognize the importance of building strong partnerships with local organizations, community leaders, and policymakers to ensure that our students’ voices are heard and their concerns are addressed. By collaborating with these key stakeholders, we can work to create more inclusive and responsive digital spaces that empower young people to drive positive change.
Conclusion
At Stanley Park High School, we believe that amplifying young voices in the digital sphere is not just a important, but a necessary step in shaping a more equitable and just future. By providing our students with the tools, resources, and opportunities to engage in digital activism, we can empower them to become active participants in the governance and development of emerging technologies.
Through initiatives like the Datasphere’s #Youth4OurDataFuture project, the Amplify digital storytelling event, and the integration of digital activism into our curriculum, we are committed to fostering a culture of digital citizenship and civic engagement among our students. By supporting their efforts to educate, empower, and advocate for positive change, we can help ensure that the digital world of tomorrow reflects the values, needs, and aspirations of the next generation.
As we continue to navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape, we call on all members of the Stanley Park High School community – students, parents, and educators alike – to join us in this important work. Together, we can amplify young voices and empower our students to lead the way in shaping a more just, inclusive, and sustainable digital future.
