The AI4YouthWork project has published its new Policy Paper, a strategic document providing evidence-based recommendations to support the ethical, inclusive, and sustainable integration of artificial intelligence in youth work across Europe.

Titled “Artificial Intelligence in Youth Work: Policy Lessons and Strategic Directions from the AI4YouthWork Project”, the publication translates the project’s research findings and piloting activities into concrete policy directions for European institutions, national authorities, and organisations working in the youth sector.

Artificial intelligence is increasingly shaping the digital environments where young people learn, communicate, and participate. Yet, while AI governance and digital transformation strategies have become central to European policymaking, the youth sector remains largely absent from these frameworks.

Our new policy paper highlights this structural gap and emphasises the growing role of youth workers as key intermediaries helping young people understand, critically assess, and responsibly use AI technologies in their everyday lives.

However, many youth workers currently lack structured training, institutional support, and policy recognition in relation to AI competences.

Evidence from the AI4YouthWork project

The recommendations presented in the policy paper are grounded in a comprehensive transnational research process carried out throughout the project.

This included:

• a systematic literature review of 145 international and European publications;

• focus groups with 72 youth work professionals across several European countries;

• expert interviews in artificial intelligence, youth work, and digital education;

• a validation survey involving 100 stakeholders, including youth workers, organisations, training providers, and policymakers;

• piloting activities testing training resources such as the Digital Catalogue of 48 Open Educational Resources and the AI Training Toolkit.
  
  

The research reveals a clear pattern: youth workers recognise the growing relevance of AI but often face fragmented access to training, ethical and legal uncertainties, and unequal opportunities to develop AI-related competences.

Key recommendations for policymakers

Based on these findings, the policy paper outlines seven strategic policy priorities to support the integration of AI in youth work systems across Europe:

• developing inclusive and accessible AI training opportunities for youth workers

• embedding AI competences in lifelong learning and continuous professional development systems

• promoting ethical and trustworthy AI practices in youth work environments

• ensuring sustainable funding for training, tools, and open educational resources

• strengthening cross-sector cooperation between youth work, research, and AI governance bodies

• scaling and mainstreaming successful frameworks and resources developed through projects

• supporting professional networks and communities of practice focused on AI and digital transformation.
  
  

AI competences for youth workers should be recognised as a matter of public interest, and embedded within qualification systems, youth strategies, and professional standards.

With the right policy support, youth work can play a crucial role in helping young people navigate AI-driven environments critically and responsibly, strengthening democratic participation, digital literacy, and social inclusion.

The publication therefore calls for coordinated action at European, national, and regional levels to ensure that artificial intelligence enhances the human-centred values at the core of youth work.

The full Policy Paper is available online on Zenodo in open access: https://zenodo.org/records/18229975