Enhancing Digital Participation amongst Refugee & Migrant Background Youth

We investigated how young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds use technology - for studying, work, socialising, and health. We wanted to know which things are working well and how things could be improved.

Project outcomes

Project background

The pandemic has made the need for digital participation even more important

Lockdowns caused by the pandemic meant a sharp and immediate growth in the use of technology in many aspects of our lives. Many of us had to quickly get used to using Zoom for interviews and meetings at work, Facetiming our friends and loved ones, and telehealth appointments. As restrictions have eased, we haven’t gone back to the ‘pre-COVID’ ways of doing things. To build back better, it’s a really important time to look at what we can learn from the pandemic.

Technology can help make things more accessible for some people, for instance by reducing physical distances and barriers for people to travel or by connecting people with translators. At the same time, some people might struggle to participate in the digital world. Access to data or WiFi, up to date devices, and knowledge about software and platforms might limit the ways that people engage online.

How we built our understanding

We investigated what helps and hinders young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds to participate in the digital world, focusing on work, study, connection and wellbeing. We gathered data and evidence from young people and organisations working with young people and then worked with them to develop procedures and policies that support better digital participation.

Our team included young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds themselves, along with a host of experienced and expert researchers. They are passionate about making sure that we build back better and fairer in the wake of the pandemic.

“Young people of refugee and migrant backgrounds have enormous potential to harness technology for employment, education, social connection and wellbeing. But the pandemic, which has left us to rely heavily on technology, has exposed the barriers they face in accessing and using technology,

In partnership with talented young researchers from refugee and migrant communities, we can identify the challenges these young Victorians face and build their strengths to support them to better engage in online opportunities.”

Professor Anita Harris, Chief Investigator

The Team

Project partners

Deakin University

Western Sydney University

Centre for Multicultural Youth

We acknowledge the funding received from VicHealth, through its Impact Research Grants initiative.