Co-Producing Digital Platforms with Young People: A Handbook for Cities

This handbook explores how cities can make digital youth participation more meaningful by recognising young people as partners in urban governance.

Young people are already actively shaping their cities through community organising, volunteering, cultural activities, mutual aid, and digital networks, yet formal participation often gives them limited influence over decisions that affect their lives.

The handbook offers practical guidance for creating more meaningful forms of participation, grounded in co-production, shared influence, feedback, and safe and respectful spaces. It encourages public institutions and other urban actors to work with young people not simply as users or consultants, but as active city-makers who can help define priorities, shape participation tools, influence decisions, and assess outcomes.