Information is power: How to support young people’s information seeking and sharing - Finland
2023
Information is power: How to support young people’s information seeking and sharing - Finland
In this interview, Jaana Fedotoff, Development Manager of Koordinaatti, explains how vital information is for young people's growth and decision-making using AI to produce text.
Why is information so important for young people?
Information is an important part of young people’s lives, personal development and growth. Information helps young people to understand the world, make choices, solve problems and express themselves. Information can also increase young people’s confidence, motivation and participation. With quality information, young people can build their own identity and future.
How to support young people’s information seeking, processing and sharing?
As youth information workers, we have the opportunity and responsibility to support young people’s information seeking, processing and sharing. We can support young people to find reliable and diverse sources of information, educate critical thinking and media literacy, encourage young people to ask and question, and inspire young people to share self-produced information content and media as well as their views with others.
In information seeking, it is good to use different reliable channels and sources of information, such as state and public sector as well as third sector organisations, media and networks. In addition to information seeking, it is important to pay attention to the quality, reliability and diversity of information. Young people need guidance and support in evaluating and critically examining information. This is a task for youth work and especially for youth information and counselling services.
What are the benefits of information for young people and society?
The importance of information for young people’s good life and growth is undeniable. With information, young people can grow into active, responsible and independent citizens who can influence their own and common well-being. Our task is to support young people in this process and create together with young people knowledge that enhances their quality of life and opportunities. Knowledge also has a social significance, as it enables democratic participation, critical discussion and building of common understanding. With information, we can also respond to global challenges, such as climate change, poverty and human rights. All these themes are actively raised by young people.
Youth information and counselling services as providers of accurate and reliable information based on the European Youth Information Charter (2018) agreed with ERYICA 43 members from 27 countries.
Youth information and counselling has crucial role in a society
Youth information and counselling services are preventive youth work that provides young people with free information, guidance and counselling on various issues and situations related to young people’s lives. Youth information and counselling services support young people’s growth, independence and well-being as well as promote their participation in society. Youth information and counselling services are implemented in different operating environments, such as physical service points or centers as well as online services and social media channels. Services are organized both locally and nationally in cooperation with different actors. Young people can also act as peer informers and advisers in the services for each other.
How can a youth worker use youth information and counselling services in their work?
Youth information and counselling services are a useful resource for all youth workers who want to support young people’s information seeking and sharing.
You can, for example:
· Guide young people to use different sources of information and services that meet their needs and interests.
· Use the materials and methods of youth information and counselling services in your work with young people.
· Participate in the development and evaluation of youth information and counselling services together with young people and other actors.
· Network with the producers and experts of youth information and counselling services both locally and nationally.
Jaana Fedotoff
Development Manager of Koordinaatti, Finland
President of ERYICA 2016-2022
