Digital tools in social work practice with young people

Abstract

The article analyzes contemporary application of digital tools in social work practice with young people. Given the subject of study, the concept of “digital tools” is interpreted as software, applications or electronic platforms used to solve certain tasks of social work. With consideration of statistics regarding Internet penetration level in early 2024 in Ukraine, the use of offline, online and mixed digital tools in social work with young people is justified. Possible ways of computer, console and mobile games implementation in social work practice with young people are presented. The example of a computer game, which was designed and developed directly for social work is given. The differences between digital tools that involve the “immersion” of users into virtual and augmented reality are revealed. Examples of VR- and AR-applications already used in social work practice are provided. Major areas of application of tools for organizing online-communication and interaction are revealed. The most widespread social media platforms in Ukraine are determined as of early 2024. Key areas of using social media in social work practice with youth are outlined. The possibilities of integrating Artificial Intelligence tools into the social work practice with young people are delineated, examples of such AI-instruments are given. The article also indicates that digital tools are often used in addition to traditional offline interaction with the clients. The main advantages of digital tools implementation in social work practice with young people, as well as the key emerging challenges related to social work digitalization are identified.