Exploring Life Online with Young People in Tameside

For the Tameside Digital Exploration project, we have been working alongside the fantastic Starting Point Community Learning Partnership and Tameside Council to explore young people's experiences of life online.

Together, we have been working with two brilliant youth groups – Tameside Youth Council and Tameside's LGBTQ+ Youth Group – to explore the good, the bad and the ugly of being online. From celebrating creativity and connection to discussing online harms and digital safety, the project has created a space where young people could openly share their experiences, challenge ideas and learn from one another.

Throughout the programme, we explored a range of engaging topics designed to encourage discussion, critical thinking and creativity. Sessions included:

• Challenging unconscious bias by asking, "What does someone who works in tech look like?" and exploring the wide range of careers available in the technology sector.

• Exploring the creative side of being online, celebrating how digital platforms can inspire creativity, self-expression and learning.

• Podcasting and storytelling, where young people planned and recorded their own podcasts, developing communication, teamwork and digital media skills while sharing their voices on issues that matter to them.

• Defining social media through the eyes of young people, encouraging honest conversations about how they use different platforms and the role social media plays in their lives.

• Debating current online policies, including whether national governments have the right approach to proposals such as social media bans for young people.

• The programme encouraged young people to think critically about their digital lives while recognising the many positives that being online can bring. They explored how to stay safe, identify misinformation, understand online influence, and use digital platforms in positive and meaningful ways.

One of the highlights was the podcasting sessions, where young people confidently shared their ideas and perspectives. It was fantastic to see them develop new digital skills while creating content that reflected their own experiences and opinions.

The feedback from participants was incredibly positive. Young people described the sessions as fun, informative and different, enjoying the opportunity to learn new skills, explore topics they had never considered before and work collaboratively with their peers. Many particularly enjoyed the podcasting activities, learning about power and influence online, and having a safe space to discuss important issues affecting their lives.

A huge thank you to Starting Point Community Learning Partnership, Tameside Council, and all of the young people and staff who took part. Their enthusiasm, honesty and creativity made this project a fantastic success, and we look forward to continuing to support young people to become confident, informed and empowered digital citizens.