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Ask Me Anything: AI and Youth Work
This webinar was hosted by YouthREX. HERE’S HOW THE HOSTS DESCRIBE THIS WEBINAR: We hosted an interactive Ask Me Anything (AMA) session in which participants had the opportunity to share questions, thoughts, and explore the real-world applications of AI. Together, we explored how we can collect and use data responsibly while supporting young people, how to… View Article
Tags: artificial intelligence, data, digital communications, digital skills, digital youth work, equity, social justice, youth wellbeing
May 29, 2026
Precarity and Promise: Youth Work as the Process of Futuring
This video was produced by YouthREX. HERE’S HOW THE CREATORS DESCRIBE THIS VIDEO: To commemorate #YouthREXat10, we hosted an online event that continued YouthREX’s 10-year tradition of co-creating spaces for the Ontario youth sector to learn and reflect together on the possibilities and limitations of youth work. Our special guest was Dr. Bianca Baldridge, Associate… View Article
Tags: child and youth workers, critical youth mentorship, critical youth work, frontline youth workers, youth work, youth work practice, youth work research, youth workers
Exploring Transformative Youth Work Practices: A Community Dialogue with Dr. Bianca Baldridge
This video was produced by YouthREX. HERE’S HOW THE CREATORS DESCRIBE THIS VIDEO: On May 7, 2026, YouthREX commemorated #YouthREXat10 with an online event featuring special guest Dr. Bianca Baldridge. The event continued YouthREX’s 10-year tradition of co-creating spaces for the Ontario youth sector to learn and reflect together on the possibilities and limitations of… View Article
Tags: child and youth workers, critical youth mentorship, critical youth work, frontline youth workers, youth work, youth work practice, youth work research, youth workers
Generative AI in Youth Work: Insights, Ethics, and Practical Implications
Our Evidence Briefs outline practices that can be integrated into program design, development, and evaluation. Visit our Good Youth Work Practices section to learn more! Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) is rapidly reshaping our personal and professional lives, introducing opportunities, raising ethical questions, and forging unchartered paths to supporting young people. This Evidence Brief synthesizes existing knowledge… View Article
Tags: artificial intelligence, critical youth work, digital communications, digital skills, online engagement, youth mental health
May 28, 2026
Generative AI and Youth Mental Health: Four Key Takeaways & Five Practice Implications for Youth Work
Our Evidence Briefs outline practices that can be integrated into program design, development, and evaluation. Visit our Good Youth Work Practices section to learn more! In Ontario, 38% of students rated their mental health as fair or poor in 2023, and 51% reported moderate-to-serious psychological distress. At the same time, youth mental health support is often fragmented… View Article
Tags: artificial intelligence, critical youth work, digital communications, digital skills, mental health challenges, mental health literacy, mental health services, online engagement, youth mental health
An Opus to Youth Workers
This video was produced by YouthREX. HERE’S HOW THE CREATORS DESCRIBE THIS VIDEO: To commemorate #YouthREXat10, YouthREX hosted an online event that continued a 10-year tradition of co-creating spaces for the Ontario youth sector to learn and reflect together about the possibilities and limitations of youth work. In this specially commissioned spoken-word poem by Eddie… View Article
Tags: child and youth workers, frontline youth workers, spoken word, storytelling, youth work, youth work practice, youth workers
Integrating Mental Health and AI Literacies to Enhance Youth Wellbeing
This infographic was created by YouthREX. HERE’S HOW THE CREATORS DESCRIBE THIS INFOGRAPHIC: Developed from the paper A Theoretical Framework for Integrating AI and Mental Health Literacies to Enhance Youth Well-Being and Education, by J. Laffier, A. Rehman, and M. Westley, presented at the 19th International Technology, Education and Development Conference in March 2025. Youth… View Article
Tags: artificial intelligence, digital storytelling, mental health literacy, youth mental health, youth wellbeing
AI + Possible Representational Harm for Diverse Students
This factsheet was developed by YouthREX. HERE’S HOW THE AUTHORS DESCRIBE THIS FACTSHEET: Large language models (LLMs) – artificial intelligence (AI) systems designed to understand, process, and produce human-like text – generate outputs about people. These outputs are stories that can reinforce representational harms and stereotypes for diverse youth. Faye Marie Vassel, a post-doctoral fellow… View Article
Tags: artificial intelligence, digital communications, digital skills, diversity, media literacy, racial stereotypes, representation, stereotypes
youth-cannabis-use-datahub/
Explore and discover accessible data about Ontario youth! DATA DASHBOARDGRAB + GO RESOURCESFAQSYOUTH CANNABIS USECannabis use among Canadian youth is a subject of growing interest, particularly since the legalization of recreational cannabis in 2018. Patterns of cannabis use and attitudes toward its effects have evolved among young Canadians. Cannabis is one of the most used… View Article
May 27, 2026
Opportunities and Challenges of AI Chatbots for Digital Youth Information, Advice, and Counselling Services in Europe
YouthREX Research Summaries ask Just Six Questions of research publications on key youth issues. These summaries get at what the youth sector needs to know in two pages or less! 1. What is the research about? Chatbots powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) are increasingly being integrated into online youth services to provide immediate, anonymous, and accessible support,… View Article
Tags: artificial intelligence, chatbot, chatbots, digital communications, online engagement, online therapy, youth mental health
Negotiating Anti-Black Racism in ‘Liberal’ Contexts: The Experiences of Black Youth Workers in Community-Based Educational Spaces
YouthREX Research Summaries ask Just Six Questions of research publications on key youth issues. These summaries get at what the youth sector needs to know in two pages or less! 1. What is the research about? This study examines how anti-Black racism operates in community-based educational spaces (i.e. after-school programs) in cities that are often described as… View Article
Tags: Black youth, critical youth work, strength-based, youth work, youth work practice, youth work research, youth work studies
May 26, 2026
The Comprehensive Gang Model and Youth Wellbeing: Practices to Support an Anti-Racist and Anti-Oppressive Lens
Our Evidence Briefs outline practices that can be integrated into program design, development, and evaluation. Visit our Good Youth Work Practices section to learn more! This Evidence Brief summarizes current research on evidence-based approaches to community violence prevention for youth, focusing on community implementation of the Comprehensive Gang Model and exploring how the model can be adapted… View Article
Tags: anti-Black racism, anti-oppression, anti-racism, Black youth, practice frameworks, practice models, racialized youth, youth in conflict with the law
An Opus to Youth Workers: A Community is a Song
On May 7, 2026, YouthREX commemorated #YouthREXat10 with a special online event, continuing a 10-year tradition of co-creating spaces for the Ontario youth sector to learn and reflect together about the possibilities and limitations of youth work. This event featured a performance of a specially commissioned spoken-word poem by Eddie Lartey, award-winning poet, creative, and… View Article
May 21, 2026
The Bridge of Hope: Preventing Youth Homelessness for Black and BIPOC Youth in Peel Region
This report was published by REST Centres and the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness. HERE’S HOW THE PUBLISHER DESCRIBES THIS REPORT: The Bridge of Hope Program Model Overview presents REST Centres‘ flagship initiative for preventing homelessness among Black and BIPOC youth aged 16–24 in Peel Region, Ontario. Developed in partnership with the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness,… View Article
May 19, 2026
Beyond Words | Live Podcast Event
Language plays a powerful role in shaping what is tolerated, ignored, challenged, or normalized in schools. Harmful language doesn’t exist in isolation — it affects school climate, student safety, and a sense of belonging. In partnership with Harmony Movement, University of Toronto Schools, and Unsinkable, our discussion will feature four panelists who will explore the role of language… View Article
Tags: anti-Black racism, anti-racism strategies, Black youth, Centering Black Youth Wellbeing, education system, schools
May 13, 2026
AI for Youth Mental Health and Substance Use Health: A Primer
This toolkit was developed by the Knowledge Institute on Child and Youth Mental Health and Addictions. HERE’S HOW THE AUTHORS DESCRIBE THIS TOOLKIT: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly relevant for everyday practice in the child and youth mental health and addictions sector. Our sector will need to examine the potential for AI to create… View Article
May 12, 2026
Digital Skills for Youth (DS4Y) Program Funding Opportunity
The Digital Skills for Youth (DS4Y) program provides funding to organizations that support underemployed post-secondary graduates in gaining work experience and developing digital skills. The program supports youth in gaining valuable digital skills and work experience to help them enter and succeed in the labour market. EligibilityOpen to eligible organizations across the not-for-profit and private sectors…. View Article
Tags: digital skills, Funding, NEET youth, not-for-profit organizations
May 8, 2026
Resume Writing Workshop for Youth
Helping Hands is hosting a FREE hands-on Resume Writing Workshop for youth on May 16th from 1PM to 4PM in Mississauga. The session is designed to help youth build strong resumes, better understand how to highlight their skills and experiences, and feel more confident when applying for jobs. Lunch will also be provided for participants…. View Article
Tags: employability, Employment, employment skills, Resume, writing
May 7, 2026
The Social Service Industrial Complex: Exploring the Supportive and Obstructive Factors of Critical Youth Work
Youth work offers dynamic and rewarding experiences for frontline workers; however, the contestation between the prioritization of communal and neoliberal notions of equity create tensions within the youth sector. While youth workers benefit from reciprocal, fulfilling, and transformational elements in their work, which align with their vocation and values, a critical analysis may expose layers… View Article
The Sounds of Communities
This essay was published by Musagetes. HERE’S HOW THE PUBLISHER DESCRIBES THIS ESSAY: An essay by Alissa Firth-Eagland discussing the essence of communities. Communities are beckoned into being. They respond to needs, expressions, opportunities, or sets of conditions. These structures of belonging shift over distance and time. They have varying configurations, communication styles, and reasons… View Article
April 30, 2026
AI Prompt Libraries
This toolkit comprises online resources curated by YouthREX for the youth-serving sector to explore. CLICK ON THE LINKS TO EXPLORE EACH RESOURCE & DEVELOPER: AI Prompt Library (from Logical Outcomes): Useful AI prompts for research, writing, evaluation, and strategy, designed for nonprofit workflows. Nonprofit Prompt Library (from Gemini): A collection of example prompts related to… View Article
Tags: AI prompts, artificial intelligence, digital youth work, generative AI
Is a Random Human Peer Better Than a Highly Supportive Chatbot in Reducing Loneliness Over Time?
AI chatbots are increasingly embedded in social life, offering accessible companionship. While brief interactions have been shown to provide immediate benefits, it is unclear whether repeated, daily engagement with chatbots reduces loneliness. In this pre-registered study, we tested the effectiveness of a chatbot versus a human peer in reducing loneliness among 296 students in their… View Article
The Impact of a Self-Affirmation Intervention on the Mental and Social Health and Academic Performance of Minoritized Students in STEM
Racial/ethnic minoritized students are at an increased risk of psychological distress. Supporting these students by providing them with opportunities to flourish could positively impact their mental and social health, and academic performance. This study explored the impact of values affirmation writing (intervention) compared to neutral writing (control) on the mental and social health and academic… View Article
2026 Youth Impact Survey (Ages 9–18)
The 2026 Youth Impact Survey (YIS) is now open for youth in the Waterloo Region. Led by the Children and Youth Planning Table of Waterloo Region in collaboration with the FamilyPsycle Lab at University of Waterloo, the survey invites young people ages 9–18 to share their experiences. The anonymous survey explores nine dimensions of well-being,… View Article
Tags: Survey, waterloo, youth wellbeing, youth wellness
Considerations and Practical Applications for Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Evaluations: Technical Note
This toolkit was developed by CGIAR Independent Advisory and Evaluation Service (IAES). HERE’S HOW THE AUTHORS DESCRIBE THIS TOOLKIT: This Technical Note provides grounded, forward-looking guidance for evaluators seeking to explore the role of Artificial Intelligence, particularly generative AI, throughout the evaluation lifecycle. It is designed to support responsible, adaptive, and ethical engagement with AI… View Article
Understanding and Managing Anxiety in Children Living with ASD (Webinar)
York Hills Centre for Children, Youth and Families is hosting a free online webinar focused on supporting children and youth living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This session, Understanding and Managing Anxiety in Children/Youth Living with Autism Spectrum Disorder, will be presented by Neil Walker. The webinar will explore the types and causes of anxiety… View Article
Tags: anxiety, autism, Community Educators, service providers, webinar, youth mental health
Participate in a University of Toronto Survey on Racial Microaggressions in Human Service Organizations
Tolulola (Tolu) Taiwo-Hanna, a PhD candidate in the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto, is inviting front-line staff, administrative staff, managers, and executive leaders working in human service organizations to participate in a survey on racial microaggressions in the workplace. The study aims to better understand how racial microaggressions occur and… View Article
Tags: anti-racism, anti-racism research, microaggressions, racial microaggressions, Survey, workplace
April 23, 2026
Attend Access Alliance’s Annual Community-Based Research Retreat Day
Access Alliance is inviting community members, practitioners, researchers, and partners to attend its Annual Community-Based Research Retreat Day on May 20, 2026. This year’s theme is Advancing Health Equity: Strengthening Attachment Readiness and Systems of Care, and Improving Mental Health Outcomes for Black Children and Youth Community Members. The day will begin with a keynote… View Article
Tags: Black youth mental health, Black youth wellbeing, health care services, health equity, health promotion
Breaking the Cycle Conference
Future Black Female is hosting a two-day conference, Breaking the Cycle, dedicated to deepening understanding and driving meaningful change in how Black children experience the Canadian school system. Day Two is a free event which centers the voices and experiences of Black families, equipping them with knowledge and strategies to advocate for their children’s educational success. It will… View Article
Tags: anti-Black racism, Black Students, Black youth wellbeing, conference, education system
Online Event with Special Guest Dr. Bianca Baldridge // Precarity and Promise: Youth Work as the Process of Futuring
To commemorate #YouthREXat10, we’re excited to host an online event that continues YouthREX’s 10-year tradition of co-creating spaces for the Ontario youth sector to learn and reflect together about the possibilities and limitations of youth work. Our special guest is Dr. Bianca Baldridge, Associate Professor, Harvard Graduate School of Education and Critical Youth Work Collective, a research… View Article
Celebrating 10 Years of YouthREX (2015-2025)
YouthREX is celebrating the 10th year of a shared commitment to walking alongside Ontario youth programs in advancing the wellbeing of young people. Over the past 10 years (2015-2025), YouthREX has become a trusted partner to youth programs, youth workers, youth, community-based researchers, and policymakers across the province. This is not just a celebration of… View Article
April 21, 2026
Summer Institute on Youth Mentoring: Shaping the Futures of Black Youth
Announcing the 2026 Summer Institute on Youth Mentoring at the University of Calgary: Shaping the Futures of Black Youth – Bridging Research and Practice in Culturally Responsive Mentorship. The Summer Institute on Youth Mentoring is a professional enrichment experience like no other. For four days, 25 practitioners and eight acclaimed researchers in youth mentoring come together… View Article
Tags: Black youth, Centering Black Youth Wellbeing, critical youth mentorship, mentorship
Youth Sport Summit
The Centre for Healthy Youth Development through Sport at Brock University is proud to host the 2026 Youth Sport Summit at Brock on May 12, 2026. We are thrilled to offer such a strong line-up of interactive sessions, including: Marika Warner’s (MLSE LaunchPad) keynote address, which focuses on reimagining youth sport as a system for development…. View Article
Tags: knowledge exchange, physical activity, physical education, sports, team sport, youth sports
Community Crisis Response Fund
The Community Crisis Response Fund provides one-time financial assistance to support communities impacted by traumatic incidents and community violence. A crisis is a community-wide, trauma-inducing physical act of violence (such as shooting, shots fired, stabbing or gang-related activity). Community violence based on gang-related activities can include raids and threats of community harm and victimization that… View Article
Tags: community organizing, grassroots programs, gun violence, nonprofit, youth leadership, youth program grants, youth-led projects
April 20, 2026
Join the Institute of Indigenous Peoples’ Health Youth Advisory Board
The Institute of Indigenous Peoples’ Health (IIPH) is seeking up to two First Nations, Inuit, and/or Métis youth to join its Institute Advisory Board (IAB). This opportunity is open to individuals aged 18–25 who are trainees, graduate students, or have a strong interest in advancing Indigenous health. Youth members may serve a term of up… View Article
Tags: advisory committee, centering youth, health promotion, Indigenous Communities, Indigenous Youth, youth advisory committees, youth advisory council, youth leadership
April 16, 2026
The Youth Work Paradox
This factsheet was developed by YouthREX. HERE’S HOW THE AUTHORS DESCRIBE THIS FACTSHEET: Community-based youth work takes place in a variety of settings, including after-school programs, youth-serving organizations, and other out-of-school learning environments. These spaces are often celebrated for supporting young people academically, socially, culturally, and politically. However, the complexity of these community-based educational spaces… View Article
Tags: Indigenous approaches, Indigenous Youth, Mental Health, safe space, storytelling, youth voices
Funding for Indigenous Youth-Led Projects
Indigenous Youth Roots is offering funding opportunities for grassroots youth groups and collectives comprised of Indigenous youth (ages 15–29). This program supports community-based projects that promote wellness, resiliency, and engagement among Indigenous youth. Selected groups will receive funding to bring their ideas to life, along with access to mentorship, training, and capacity-building opportunities. The program… View Article
Tags: Funding, grant, grassroots programs, Indigenous Youth
April 15, 2026
Plot Twist: Free Professional Development Workshop for BIPOC Youth
RennelCo is hosting Plot Twist, a free afternoon event for BIPOC youth in the GTA who are looking to build confidence, strengthen their professional skills, and expand their networks. Participants will engage in interactive activities such as PowerPoint Roulette to build public speaking skills in a fun, low-pressure environment, and Burning Bridges of Bondage, a reflective… View Article
Tags: BIPOC youth, Black youth, career development, Career planning, free program, mi, NEET youth, Networking, professional development
Impact
“I think providing an accessible space for people to learn is power. … I have never experienced an opportunity that has valued youth workers and youth to this degree and even provided evidence-based workshops and lectures to support the importance.”Read our impact report for more quotes from our stakeholders“…We have successfully improved the way our… View Article
April 14, 2026
Survey on Live-in Treatment Quality
The Knowledge Institute on Child and Youth Mental Health and Addictions is inviting members of the sector to review and share feedback on the draft Live-in Treatment Quality Standard—a key step toward strengthening care for children and youth with complex mental health needs across Ontario. Input from participants will help ensure the standard is practical,… View Article
Tags: addiction, caregiver, Survey, youth mental health
April 10, 2026
Job Opportunity: Director of Learning, Monitoring & Evaluation at Visions of Science
Visions of Science is a charitable organization dedicated to advancing STEM equity by supporting youth and communities who experience significant barriers to participation. Visions of Science is seeking to hire a Director of Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL), a senior leadership role responsible for leading their enterprise-wide evaluation strategy and data systems. Position Details: Role: Director… View Article
Tags: job opportunity, nonprofit, STEM, youth program evaluation
Relocating the Deficit: Reimagining Black Youth in Neoliberal Times
YouthREX Research Summaries ask Just Six Questions of research publications on key youth issues. These summaries get at what the youth sector needs to know in two pages or less! 1. What is the research about? This research focuses on the pressures placed on youth workers and youth programs to adopt deficit-based narratives when framing Black youth… View Article
Tags: asset-based, Black youth, critical youth work, deficit-based language, deficit-based narratives, strength-based, youth work, youth work practice, youth work research, youth work studies
April 9, 2026
Seen, Heard, Affirmed: Culturally-Grounded Support for Black LGBT2SQ+ Youth
Our Evidence Briefs outline practices that can be integrated into program design, development, and evaluation. Visit our Good Youth Work Practices section to learn more! This Evidence Brief provides youth workers with six culturally-grounded approaches for supporting Black LGBT2SQ+ youth. The approaches are informed by research on intersectionality, culturally-responsive care, and youth-centered practice. Developed by Arielle Anucha… View Article
Tags: anti-Black racism, Black youth, Black youth mental health, culturally-responsive, discrimination, LGBT2SQ+ youth, queer youth, transphobia
What Jordan Peele’s Film GET OUT Can Teach Us About Anti-Black Microaggressions
This video was produced by YouthREX. HERE’S HOW THE CREATORS DESCRIBE THIS VIDEO: The film Get Out (2017), directed by Jordan Peele, follows Chris, a Black man who visits his white girlfriend’s estate for the weekend to meet her family, who seem welcoming at first. Throughout the weekend, however, Chris is subjected to harmful comments… View Article
Tags: anti-Black racism, Black youth, Black youth mental health, microaggressions, popular culture, racial microaggressions
Estimating the Number and Percentage of Children who Experience Parental Incarceration in Canada Using Whole Population Administrative and Vital Statistics Data
Background: There is a lack of systematic data on children who experience parental incarceration in Canada. Objective: To use linked data to estimate the number of children who experienced parental incarceration in five Canadian provinces from 2015 to 2021, and to describe parent and child characteristics. Methods: We accessed data from the Canadian Correctional Services… View Article
Navigating Youth Climate Emotions: Information & Training Session
Break The Divide is hosting a free 45-minute webinar focused on helping educators, youth workers, and community leaders better support young people navigating the emotional impacts of climate change. In this session, we will: Introduce the concept of climate emotions and their impact on youth mental health Facilitate a short, practical workshop you can bring… View Article
Tags: climate anxiety, Climate Change, youth mental health, youth work practice
Music as a Vehicle for Community Development
This webinar was hosted by YouthREX. HERE’S HOW THE HOSTS DESCRIBE THIS WEBINAR: Music has long been a powerful tool for connection, expression, and social change. Community music programs remove barriers and provide young people with access to innovative music education. This webinar featured Richard Marsella, Executive Director of Community Music Schools of Toronto (CMST), on… View Article
Tags: arts programming, community music, community program, music accessibility, music inclusivity, music therapy, social emotional wellbeing, youth engagement
April 7, 2026
Young Person’s Guide to Systems Change
This toolkit was developed by The 50 Percent. HERE’S HOW THE AUTHORS DESCRIBE THIS TOOLKIT: The Young Person’s Guide to Systems Change handbook was created as a collaborative toolkit to help young people understand how systems work — and how to change them.
Barriers to Mental Health Care for Black Youth in Canada: A Socioecological Perspective
Black Canadians, representing 4.3% of the population, face signicant mental health disparities driven by systemic barriers, racial discrimination, and stigma. Existing research highlights elevated rates of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, while Black youth continue to face various barriers in accessing mental health care. Using a socioecological perspective, this study explores different levels of… View Article
Mental Health Service Use Among Black Adolescents in Ontario by Sex and Distress Level: A Cross-Sectional Study
Background: Race is a social construct reflecting broader systemic forces that can affect health, including mental health. We sought to ascertain whether patterns of mental health care service use are associated with race among adolescents in Ontario. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from the 2015–2019 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey…. View Article
Reimagining AI: Exploring Speculative Design Workshops for Supporting BIPOC Youth Critical AI Literacies
Background: As Artificial Intelligence (AI) ecosystems become increasingly entangled within our everyday lives, designing systems that are ethical, inclusive, and socially just is more vital than ever. It is well known that AI can have algorithmic biases that reflect, extend, and exacerbate our existing systemic injustices. Yet, despite most teenagers interacting with AI daily, only… View Article
Promoting Health Equity: Mental Health of Black Canadians Fund Community Report 2018–2024
This report was published by the Public Health Agency of Canada. HERE’S HOW THE AUTHORS DESCRIBE THIS REPORT: Black people in Canada face significant social and economic challenges that have negative effects on their mental health. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)’s Promoting Health Equity: Mental Health of Black Canadians (MHBC) Fund supports Black-led,… View Article
Resilience in Adverse Contexts: Youth and Clinician Perspectives on Navigating Community Violence
Background/Objectives: Community violence remains a pervasive public health challenge that disproportionately affects Black youth, with lasting impacts on physical and mental health. Traditional models often conceptualize resilience as individual “bounce back” capacity, overlooking how adaptation unfolds amid chronic violence and structural inequity. This study examined how Black youth and trauma clinicians understand, navigate, and redefine resilience… View Article
Bridging Generations: Youth-Adult Partnership for Black Youth Mental Health Policy Innovation in Georgia
Youth-centered policy approaches are needed to address Black youth mental health and amplify their voices in policy change. This paper describes the implementation of a policy assessment framework, focusing on how it was adapted to meaningfully incorporate youth voices, and highlights successes and lessons learned for future use.
Discrimination and Mental Health in an Ethnically Diverse Sample of Black Youth
Background: Although a substantial body of research has documented the adverse mental health impacts of discrimination, few studies have examined these outcomes and their association with ethnicity. Objective: This study characterizes variation in experiences of race-related bullying and adverse mental health symptoms among a sample of ethnically diverse Black adolescents. Methods: We describe experiences of… View Article
Does Screen Time Make a Difference? A Longitudinal Study of Youth Screen Time and Well-being
This report was published by Statistics Canada. HERE’S HOW THE AUTHORS DESCRIBE THIS REPORT: Canadian youth are using electronic devices more and more, and concerns are growing about how that usage affects their well-being, including their mental health; their academic performance; and other subjective indicators. Yet many important parts of their lives are mediated through… View Article
Mental Health Stigma as a Barrier to Mental Health Care for Black Youth & Young Adults: A Scoping Review
Mental health stigma presents a significant barrier to mental health care access for Black youth and young adults, contributing to disparities in mental health service utilization in Black communities. This scoping review examines the current literature on mental health stigma as a barrier to care within Black communities, with specific focus on experiences of young… View Article
Co-Designing an Online Educational Resource to Help Adolescents Improve Their Digital Health Literacy
Background: Digital media is ubiquitous in adolescents’ lives and provides many opportunities to engage with health information. However, there is an increased risk of engaging with inaccurate or biased health information on the internet, resulting in poor health-related behaviours. As such, adolescents would benefit from improving their digital health literacy (DHL). There are limited education… View Article
Culturally Responsive Adaptations to Evidence-Based Interventions for Black Adolescents
This article explores the vital role of culturally responsive adaptations in evidence-based interventions for Black youth. While evidence-based interventions have proven effective in addressing adolescent mental health challenges, it is clear that a one-size-fits-all approach does not consider the diverse cultural factors influencing mental health and help-seeking behaviors of Black youth. This article focuses on… View Article
Five Good Ideas on How to Think Responsibly About Generative AI
Generative AI is everywhere. And many of you will feel growing pressure to use it. But how do you use it responsibly in your non-profit work? On May 5, join Jake Hirsch-Allen, head of Partnerships at The Dais, as he shares five practical ideas on how to adopt generative AI responsibly and effectively. Drawing from… View Article
Tags: AI, artificial intelligence, GenAI, generative AI
March 31, 2026
80 Perspectives on Artificial Intelligence: A Guide to Youth Work
This report was published by AI Skills for Youth Empowerment (Helsinki Youth Services, Into–Association for Outreach Youth Work and Workshop Activities & Finnish Society on Media Education). HERE’S HOW THE AUTHORS DESCRIBE THIS REPORT: Artificial intelligence is like GPS for the intellectual landscape: it offers guidance and easy answers but can impact young people’s independent… View Article
March 30, 2026
Designing AI Training Paths for Youth Workers: Evidence from a European Pilot Initiative
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly shaping the social, educational, and civic environments in which young people live and learn, creating new challenges and opportunities for youth workers. Despite the growing relevance of AI, structured and context-sensitive training opportunities for youth workers remain limited. This study explores how an AI training path can be designed to… View Article
Insights into Artificial Intelligence and Its Impact on the Youth Sector
This report was published by Youth Partnership (European Commission & Council of Europe). HERE’S HOW THE AUTHORS DESCRIBE THIS REPORT: What is artificial intelligence (AI)? How does it affect young people’s education, employment, and other fundamental rights? How do youth workers perceive AI and what opportunities do they have to engage with AI governance? This… View Article
Companion Checklist: Evaluation of an AI-Enabled Clinical or Administrative Tool
This toolkit was developed by the APA’s Office of Health Care Innovation. HERE’S HOW THE AUTHORS DESCRIBE THIS TOOLKIT: Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to develop rapidly and is being integrated into many facets of daily life. Increasingly, AI-enabled tools are being developed for use in mental health care. These tools have a wide range of… View Article
Students’ Voices on Generative AI: Perceptions, Benefits, and Challenges in Higher Education
This study explores university students’ perceptions of generative AI (GenAI) technologies, such as ChatGPT, in higher education, focusing on familiarity, their willingness to engage, potential benefits and challenges, and effective integration. A survey of 399 undergraduate and postgraduate students from various disciplines in Hong Kong revealed a generally positive attitude towards GenAI in teaching and… View Article
Parents’ Perceptions About the Use of Generative AI Systems by Adolescents
Current research on the impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) on adolescent development yields mixed results, and parents are left to navigate this emerging technology without clear support and knowledge. A missing step toward effective digital parenting is understanding parents’ concerns and beliefs. Therefore, this preliminary study explores parental perspectives on the use and impact… View Article
From Likes to Lifeworlds: The Contributions of Youth Work Practice in the Online Lifeworld to Young People’s Development
As youth workers increasingly offer support and guidance within digital environments, the question arises as to what impact this support has on the (online) lives of young people. This paper explores the contribution of youth work practice in the online lifeworld on young peoples’ development, building on previous studies concerning youth work outcomes and the… View Article
Artificial Intelligence in Youth Work: Policy Lessons and Strategic Directions from the AI4YouthWork Project
This report was published by AI for Youth Work. HERE’S HOW THE AUTHORS DESCRIBE THIS REPORT: This publication was developed in the framework of the Artificial Intelligence for Youth Work (AI4YouthWork) project, a Cooperation Partnership in the Youth field co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union. The paper translates empirical evidence generated through… View Article
1 in 8 Youth Turn to AI for Mental Health. ‘It Just Tells Me What I Want to Hear’
Youth with the deepest emotional needs are using chatbots for therapy the most – but many are unhappy with the outcome. Young people are flocking to use artificial intelligence tools, and among the heaviest users are youth with the greatest emotional needs – those who have been bullied or cyberbullied, who feel put down by… View Article
March 24, 2026
Ask Me Anything: AI and Youth Work
Join us for an interactive session and ask your questions, share your thoughts, and dive into the real-world applications of AI. How can we collect and use data responsibly while supporting young people? How do we maintain confidentiality when using AI-powered tools? How can AI tools be integrated in ways that centre both the unique needs of… View Article
March 19, 2026
Mentor Me Equal: Empowering Women and Gender-Diverse People Through Inclusive Mentorship
This toolkit was developed by Mentor Canada and Mentorat Québec. HERE’S HOW THE AUTHORS DESCRIBE THIS TOOLKIT: Although women’s participation in the workforce has increased in recent decades, the wage gender gap persists and women remain strongly underrepresented in many well-paying occupations. Research published by Statistics Canada also shows that “lesbian, gay, and bisexual people… View Article
March 17, 2026
Research Study on Climate Activism and Wellbeing
Are you a climate activist between the ages of 16-21 living in the GTA? Laura Glover, a PhD candidate in the School of Social Work at York University, is conducting a study on the intersections of wellbeing and climate activism and is looking for participants in the Greater Toronto Area between the ages of 16… View Article
Tags: climate activism, Climate Change, community-engaged research, youth activism
Ready for AI? How Canadian Educators, Youth, Parents, and Caregivers are Using and Thinking About Artificial Intelligence
This report was published by Actua. HERE’S HOW THE AUTHORS DESCRIBE THIS REPORT: To learn how Canadians think and talk about AI, particularly as it relates to education, youth development and well-being, Actua commissioned two national surveys to be conducted among educators, youth, and their parents/guardians. We learned that Canadian youth are using AI, but… View Article
March 10, 2026
Beyond Likes: A Practical Guide to Social Media, AI, and Digital Tools for Youth Organizations
This toolkit was developed by Asociación Miras (Spain), Associação para a Igualdade AEQUALITAS (Portugal), and Dragons Nest AMKE (Greece). HERE’S HOW THE AUTHORS DESCRIBE THIS TOOLKIT: Social media is part of our society, whether we like it or not. We can avoid it, but it won’t go away. We live in a time where social… View Article
Generative AI and Social Work: Initial Guidance for Practice and Ethics
This toolkit was developed by the British Association of Social Workers. HERE’S HOW THE AUTHORS DESCRIBE THIS TOOLKIT: Generative AI (GenAI) is increasingly in use in social work practice. This short guidance aims to offer some points of reflection for current and future social workers around the use of generative AI in their practice and… View Article
Our Futures and AI: A Youth Work Toolkit
This toolkit was shared by Digital Youth Work, Youth Work Scotland. HERE’S HOW THE AUTHORS DESCRIBE THIS TOOLKIT: It is one of the fastest-paced topics of our day. It’s difficult to define. It’s here whether we like it or not! It’s disrupting. It’s unsettling. It’s adding to the challenges for young people in finding careers…. View Article
(Gen)eration AI: Safeguarding Youth Privacy in the Age of Generative Artificial Intelligence
This report was published by The Dais, Toronto Metropolitan University. HERE’S HOW THE AUTHORS DESCRIBE THIS REPORT: Chatbots as digital companions, AI-driven teaching tools, and content-generation tools are all examples of how generative AI (genAI) is transforming how young people learn, connect, and express themselves. However, the rapid rise of genAI use has exposed youth… View Article
Adolescent Cannabis Use and Psychological Distress from 2013 to 2023: A Population-Based Study in Ontario, Canada
YouthREX Research Summaries ask Just Six Questions of research publications on key youth issues. These summaries get at what the youth sector needs to know in two pages or less! 1. What is the research about? This research focuses on the association of cannabis use with psychological distress (which includes symptoms of anxiety and depression) among adolescents… View Article
Tags: cannabis use, harm reduction, youth cannabis use, youth substance use
March 4, 2026
How Teens Use and View AI
This report was published by Pew Research Center. HERE’S HOW THE AUTHORS DESCRIBE THIS REPORT: This study is Pew Research Center’s latest effort to explore the landscape of teens and technology today. It focuses on artificial intelligence – from how teens use chatbots to how they think about AI’s future impact. The study also dives… View Article
Teens, Social Media and AI Chatbots 2025
This report was published by Pew Research Center. HERE’S HOW THE AUTHORS DESCRIBE THIS REPORT: Pew Research Center conducted this study to better understand teens’ use of social media, the internet, and artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots. The Center conducted an online survey of 1,458 U.S. teens from September 25 to October 9, 2025, through Ipsos…. View Article
Generative Artificial Intelligence Applications Use Among US Youth
As generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools become increasingly integrated into the daily lives of youth, it is critical to study their usage patterns and potential implications for mental health. While there is evidence of a rapid pace of adoption among adults, rates of GenAI use among youth remains largely undocumented. Objective: To characterize GenAI application… View Article
A New Direction for Students in an AI World: Prosper, Prepare, Protect
This factsheet was developed by the Brookings Institution’s Center for Universal Education. HERE’S HOW THE AUTHORS DESCRIBE THIS FACTSHEET: Since the debut of ChatGPT and with the public’s growing familiarity with generative artificial intelligence (AI), the education community has been debating its promises and perils. Rather than wait for a decade to conduct a postmortem… View Article
A New Direction for Students in an AI World: Prosper, Prepare, Protect
This report was published by the Brookings Institution’s Center for Universal Education. HERE’S HOW THE AUTHORS DESCRIBE THIS REPORT: Since the debut of ChatGPT and with the public’s growing familiarity with generative artificial intelligence (AI), the education community has been debating its promises and perils. Rather than wait for a decade to conduct a postmortem… View Article
Generative AI and Misinformation: A Scoping Review of the Role of Generative AI in the Generation, Detection, Mitigation, and Impact of Misinformation
The rapid advancement of generative artificial intelligence (AI) has introduced both opportunities and challenges in the fight against misinformation. This scoping review synthesizes recent empirical studies to explore the dual role of generative AI — particularly large language models (LLMs) — in the generation, detection, mitigation, and impact of misinformation. Analyzing 24 empirical studies, our… View Article
Youth Pulse 2026: Insights From the Next Generation for a Changing World
This report was published by the World Economic Forum. HERE’S HOW THE AUTHORS DESCRIBE THIS REPORT: This is the World Economic Forum’s flagship report on youth perspectives. Young people today are coming of age amid profound global transformations. How are they adapting to the accelerating technological change, rising living costs, evolving labour markets, declining institutional… View Article
OECD Digital Education Outlook 2026: Exploring Effective Uses of Generative AI in Education
This report was published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). HERE’S HOW THE AUTHORS DESCRIBE THIS REPORT: Generative AI (GenAI) is reshaping the educational landscape, beyond teaching and learning. Unlike earlier waves of education technology, much of GenAI is freely accessible and largely used beyond institutional control due to its intuitiveness and versatility…. View Article
Professionalization and Precarity of the Workforce | Beyond the Classroom
This podcast episode was produced by The Wallace Foundation Podcast. HERE’S HOW THE CREATOR DESCRIBES THIS PODCAST: In Beyond the Classroom, a podcast miniseries from The Wallace Foundation Podcast, researchers and practitioners discuss the findings from a student-led study on improving out-of-school-time. Youth workers from historically marginalized communities serve as important mentors to young people… View Article
February 25, 2026
Empowering Marginalized Youth – An Interview with Bianca Baldridge
This video was produced by La Vie des Idées. HERE’S HOW THE CREATORS DESCRIBE THIS VIDEO: As a professor of education, Bianca Baldridge highlights the importance of extracurricular programs for young people, and the lack of social recognition enjoyed by community-based educators.
The Art of Calling In: Loretta Ross
This podcast episode was produced by Future Hindsight. HERE’S HOW THE CREATOR DESCRIBES THIS PODCAST: We discuss “calling in” as a practice rooted in a human rights framework that can transform how we engage across our divide and potentially be the bridge that helps our democracy survive. Loretta Ross is an activist and an associate… View Article
Loretta J. Ross: Don’t Call People Out — Call Them In
This video was produced by TED Talks. HERE’S HOW THE CREATORS DESCRIBE THIS VIDEO: We live in a call-out culture, says activist and scholar Loretta J. Ross. You’re probably familiar with it: the public shaming and blaming, on social media and in real life, of people who may have done wrong and are being held… View Article
How Black Youth See Themselves Matters for Their Education
This reflection is part of a series Laidlaw Foundation is publishing for Black History Month. The series will highlight the issues they prioritize (education, child welfare, criminal justice, and environmental justice) while also showcasing the critical discussions, leadership, and initiatives of Black communities in Ontario within these contexts. This article has been republished with permission… View Article
Tags: Black youth, Black youth wellbeing, Centering Black Youth Wellbeing, youth engagement, youth leadership
February 24, 2026
Thrive Toronto Mental Health Report Card
This report was published by Thrive Toronto. HERE’S HOW THE AUTHORS DESCRIBE THIS REPORT: Thrive Toronto brings together partners from municipal government, community organizations, healthcare, and public health to drive meaningful action to improve the mental health of Torontonians. Our mission is to transform Toronto into a city where everyone can thrive. This first report… View Article
The Musical Playground as a Vehicle for Community-Building
YouthREX Research Summaries ask Just Six Questions of research publications on key youth issues. These summaries get at what the youth sector needs to know in two pages or less! 1. What is the research about? This research explores a key tension in education and the creative arts: structured learning (adult-led activities with rules and set goals)… View Article
Tags: community building, community engagement, community music, inclusion, live music, music accessibility, music inclusivity, social emotional wellbeing
Submissions are open to all youth vendors!
Calling Youth Vendors! An incredible opportunity for young vendors! BGC East Scarborough and MAAT Youth Innovation & Cultural Centre invite you to join them in enriching their Black History Celebratory Event. Applications are open to established and new entrepreneurs in the community. They are looking for youth vendors offering: Arts & Crafts Community Service Unique… View Article
February 19, 2026
A Future Built on Mentorship: Why Mentoring is the Essential Infrastructure Our Future Needs Now
This report was published by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. HERE’S HOW THE AUTHORS DESCRIBE THIS REPORT: This national report makes a clear and compelling case for why mentorship is essential for the future of our communities, workforce, and society. Young people are navigating unprecedented challenges from rising mental health concerns, disrupted education pathways,… View Article
February 17, 2026
Youth Career Catalyst — Applications Now Open
Youth Career Catalyst (YCC) is an innovative employment skills program for youth (ages 18-30), fully-funded by the Government of Canada. The YCC combines outdoor experiential learning, paid supported work experience, and an individualized coaching and mentoring to support those furthest from employment in entering Canada’s workforce. What’s Offered? Employment Coaching & Mentoring Paid In-Person Training Supported Work Experience What’s… View Article
Tags: outdoor education, work experience, Youth Employment, youth empowerment
February 16, 2026
What We Learn When We Listen to Children of War — Live Virtual Conversation with Myriam Denov
A live virtual conversation will take place on February 25 at 1:00 p.m. (Eastern) featuring Myriam Denov, Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Children, Families and Armed Conflict at McGill University and 2025 Impact Award Gold Medal winner from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. For more than 25 years, Denov has… View Article
Tags: webinar
February 13, 2026
Executive Director Opportunity — Wanasah: Mental Health Services for Black Youth
Wanasah: Mental Health Services for Black Youth is seeking a to hire an Executive Director. Wanasah is a community-based, non-profit organization providing culturally safe, Black-centric mental health and addictions services for Black youth (ages 12–25) and their families in Regent Park and surrounding communities. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will provide… View Article
Tags: addiction, anti-oppression, Black Families, black mental health, Black youth mental health, community engagement, culturally-responsive, job opportunity, trauma-informed
PCK Intellectual Property Scholarship Program — Applications Now Open
PCK Intellectual Property, in collaboration with Roots Community Services, is offering the PCK Scholarship Program for youth from Black, African, Caribbean, and Indigenous communities. This scholarship supports students who are passionate about education, equity, and innovation. The program recognizes social inequalities and aims to create pathways for historically underrepresented youth in intellectual property and related… View Article
Tags: engineering, Funding, funding announcement, scholarship, science, STEM
Music as a Vehicle for Community Development
Music has long been a powerful tool for connection, expression, and social change. Community music programs remove barriers and provide young people with access to innovative music education. Our first webinar for 2026 features Richard Marsella, Executive Director of Community Music Schools of Toronto (CMST) on transformative models in community music, from noise parades to musical playgrounds. Drawing… View Article
February 11, 2026
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