Life Online report highlights young people’s digital lives
Life Online report highlights young people’s digital lives
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A new report commissioned by Ceredigion County Council has revealed how online life is shaping the experiences, wellbeing, and behaviours of young people across Dyfed-Powys.
The Life Online – Young People’s Voices report, delivered by ProMo Cymru and the Youth Work Leadership Lab captures the views of hundreds of young people and youth professionals. It explores how digital platforms like TikTok are influencing identity, relationships, and mental health.
“It’s great to see Ceredigion Youth Service deepening its understanding of young people’s online lives and using their voices to shape future services,” said Arielle Tye, Head of Digital for ProMo Cymru.
“If we want youth work to stay relevant and effective, we need to be active in digital spaces and design support where young people are”.
The findings show that while many young people enjoy positive experiences online, including learning new skills and connecting with others, a significant number also face challenges such as bullying, exposure to harmful content, and unwanted messages.
“It is encouraging to see so many young people describing their time online as creative, fun, and beneficial,” said Councillor Alun Williams, Deputy Leader and Ceredigion Cabinet Member for Through Age and Wellbeing.
“This report reminds us that the internet is where they can connect, learn, and grow. These positives are what we must build on. At the same time, we can’t ignore the very real harms some experience.
“This report gives us a balanced understanding, and a clear mandate to design services that amplify the good and address the risks.”
Professionals working with young people expressed concern about the impact of online life on behaviour and wellbeing and highlighted a need for better understanding of digital platforms and trends.
The project was commissioned as part of the Dyfed-Powys Serious Violence and Organised Crime Partnership, under the Serious Violence Duty. It will inform future service design and early intervention work led by Ceredigion Youth Service.
“The Life Online report gives us a good picture of how young people experience the digital world in our region, both the positives and the challenges,” added Gethin Jones, Corporate Manager for Ceredigion Youth Service.
“We are very grateful to the Office of the Police Crime Commissioner, Dyfed Powys Police for funding this important work and we are now building on it through a holistic, youth work–led approach to prevention.
“We are eager to continue this work to embed media literacy, to provide mentoring for practitioners on safe social media use and establish a youth-led advisory group to help shape future digital wellbeing initiatives.”
The full report is available at: Life Online – Young People’s Voices – ProMo Cymru.
📷 Ceredigion Youth Service Focus Group
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