The Value of Youth Information in a Changing World

In a world overflowing with content, opinions, and instant answers, youth information has never been more necessary nor more challenging. At its core, youth information is not simply about providing facts. It is about trust, relevance, and accessibility, and about ensuring that young people can make informed decisions about their lives.

The intrinsic value of youth information lies in its youth-centred approach. Young people are navigating key transitions in education, employment, relationships, health, and civic life; often for the first time. Quality youth information recognises this reality. It is impartial, accurate, ethical, and delivered in a way that respects young people as capable decision-makers, while acknowledging the complexity of the choices they face.

Equally important is the language we use. Speaking young people’s language does not mean simplifying content to the point of dilution; it means communicating in ways that are relevant, relatable, and grounded in young people’s lived experiences. Youth information must meet young people where they are ‘online and offline’ and adapt to how they search for, consume, and share information.

This task is becoming increasingly complex in the context of the AI revolution. Artificial intelligence has transformed how information is generated and accessed, offering speed and convenience but also raising significant challenges. Issues such as misinformation, lack of transparency, algorithmic bias, and over-reliance on automated answers place new demands on young people’s critical thinking skills. In this evolving landscape, youth information services play a crucial role in supporting media literacy, ethical information-sharing, and informed judgement, helping young people navigate information critically rather than passively.

Aġenzija Żgħażagħ’s commitment to quality youth information is firmly anchored within a strong European framework. The agency is a member of ERYICA, the European Youth Information and Counselling Agency. A Europe-wide network that brings together youth information providers committed to young people’s right to reliable, independent, and youth-friendly information. ERYICA promotes quality standards, cooperation, and innovation in youth information across Europe, guided by the European Youth Information Charter.

In recognition of this work, Aġenzija Żgħażagħ has been awarded the ERYICA Quality Label for Youth Information Services, a certification that acknowledges compliance with these shared principles. This award reflects not only the accuracy and reliability of the information provided, but also the values underpinning the service: independence, accessibility, confidentiality, inclusion, and respect for young people’s autonomy.

Building on this achievement, Aġenzija Żgħażagħ has recently launched Youth Information Ambassadors. This initiative places young people at the heart of youth information work by explicitly embedding a youth perspective in how information services are shaped, delivered, and evaluated. The programme reflects the principles of the Council of Europe Reference Framework on a Youth Perspective, which calls on institutions to think with, learn from, participate with, and act with and for young people. Recognising young people as partners rather than passive recipients, the programme creates structured opportunities for young people to co-create campaigns, provide feedback on services, support outreach, and share insights from their communities and peer networks. Youth Information Ambassadors strengthens the relevance, accessibility, and credibility of youth information, while fostering participation, dialogue, and civic engagement.

These developments take place during a significant year for youth information in Europe. In 2026, ERYICA marks its 40th anniversary, celebrating four decades of advocating for young people’s right to quality, ethical, and youth-friendly information. They also lead us towards European Youth Information Day on 17 April, an annual opportunity to highlight the importance of accessible, reliable, and youth-centred information for young people across Europe.

As the information landscape continues to evolve, investing in youth information is not optional; it is essential. By embedding a youth perspective, listening to young people’s voices, and speaking their language, youth information services can remain responsive, trustworthy, and relevant in an increasingly complex world. Quality youth information is not only about access to facts, but about empowering young people to navigate uncertainty, exercise critical judgement, and participate confidently in society.