Youth Work in the Age of AI: Skills, Opportunities, and the Road Ahead

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant possibility; it is now woven into the everyday lives of young people. From personalised social media feeds to automated customer service, creative tools, and emerging AI-driven professions, technology is changing how young people learn, communicate, and participate in society. As these shifts accelerate, the role of those who support young people becomes even more crucial. In this new landscape, the ability to navigate AI confidently and critically is emerging as an essential life skill and a key priority for the coming years.

The National Youth Policy Towards 2030 emphasises preparing young people for a rapidly changing world, with digital transformation and future skills featuring prominently. The policy calls for empowering young people to become active, informed citizens who can participate meaningfully in democratic, economic, and social life. AI literacy i.e. the ability to understand, question, and use AI responsibly aligns directly with these aims. It is not merely about technical competence; it is about fostering critical thinking, creativity, ethical awareness, and the confidence to engage with evolving technologies.

AI brings enormous opportunities. Creative and educational tools powered by AI can help young people explore ideas, experiment with new forms of expression, and build practical skills for future careers. In Malta, young filmmakers taking part in initiatives such as the Malta Youth Film Festival are already seeing how AI-enhanced editing and storytelling tools open new pathways into the creative industries. Other programmes encouraging dialogue, artistic expression, and skills development similarly benefit from AI’s potential to expand what young people can imagine and achieve.

At the same time, AI presents new challenges that affect not only online life but also the offline world. Algorithmic bias, deepfakes, misinformation, and automated decision-making all shape how young people see themselves and others. These issues influence wellbeing, identity formation, employability, and trust in institutions. Ensuring that young people can recognise risks, verify information, and make informed choices is therefore a central aspect of supporting their development.

This is where a human centred approach remains indispensable. While AI can produce information or mimic conversation, it cannot replace the empathy, mentorship, ethical judgement, and relational support that young people consistently value. Those working directly with young people whether in schools, communities, or through Aġenzija Żgħażagħ’s programmes play a vital role in helping them understand technology without fear, use it creatively, and reflect on its impact on their daily lives.

AI will continue to evolve rapidly, but one thing remains constant: young people thrive when they are supported, listened to, and empowered to shape the world around them. Youth work plays a crucial role in guiding young people through technological change, helping them translate AI-related opportunities and challenges into meaningful learning, creativity, and participation. Helping young people navigate the age of AI is not simply about keeping up with technology — it is about ensuring that they have the skills, confidence, and critical awareness to lead the way forward.