Youth policy challenges

Policy issues arising from digitalisation in neo-liberal economies are outlined in this final section and are directed at youth policy challenges, based on the findings of the preceding chapters. The themes of inequality, identity, the digital economy, lockdown and the pandemic are centrally addressed, together with such key topics as the future of vocational education and training in the digital society, job creation, family and community life and universal connectivity. The evidence makes the point that government should be under an obligation to ensure that every young person has access to the material, social, technical and educational resources needed to shape match their goals and to acquire the capability to participate fully in the digital society. Young people’s prospects must be promoted by policy innovations that address structural disadvantages and defeat the COVID-19 pandemic.