Digital citizenship for health: Overcoming challenges for youth

The statement identifies youths’ four critical concerns  for achieving Digital Citizenship for Health in 2025 – accessibility and inclusivity, digital well-being and online communities, literacy and, and trust in a digital age.

The authors highlight seven calls to action to help pave the way for a more inclusive, equitable and resilient digital transformation for health.

1. Recognize young people as key partners in promoting digital citizenship for health with an active role in shaping their own health futures.
2. Promote open access to trusted health information and resources that mitigate risks associated with mis/disinformation.
3. Increase efforts for underprivileged youth to participate in digital, health and civic spaces
4. Encourage and provide offline interactions with young people that promote physical, mental health and well-being.
5. Improve youth leadership skills across sectors to participate in decision making processes in governance and civic institutions.
6. Develop government-endorsed digital platforms that provide accurate, fact-checked and trustworthy health information.
7. Mandate rigorous verification protocols and promote the use of  youth-friendly language and visuals to enhance understanding and trust
   
   

The first draft of this statement was produced in February 2025, at a Council of Europe study session on Digital Citizenship for Health: Empowering Young People to Co-Create Tools and Innovate Solutions organized by DTH-Lab and Youth Health Organisation (YHO). While the statement was developed within the European context, it addresses issues that resonate with young people globally.

The Lancet and Financial Times Commission on Governing health futures 2030’s report highlighted that digital first health systems must be co-designed and governed by young people to be responsive to their health needs and to strengthen digital citizenship for health. This statement reinforces DTH-Lab’s ongoing commitment to this goal.