Media use shapes the everyday lives of young people – in Germany as well as in Türkiye. Young people use digital platforms not only for entertainment, but also as spaces for self-expression, gathering information and social interaction. These digital environments open up opportunities for participation and self-determination, but also present challenges for youth workers: media addiction, cyberbullying, hate speech and social isolation are issues that are relevant in both countries.
Digitalisation is progressing at a particularly rapid pace in Türkiye: over 86% of the population uses the internet regularly, and social media has largely replaced traditional information channels such as television. In Germany, too, promoting media literacy has been a priority in youth policy for years.
At the same time, many professionals in Germany have so far primarily viewed Turkey as the country of origin of their young clients. They are less familiar with the local youth culture, media landscapes and educational approaches. This is where the specialist programme comes in: it fosters personal connections with colleagues from the Turkish youth work sector and facilitates a shift in perspective that can enrich one’s own practice in the long term. Meeting on equal terms fosters professional exchange and joint reflection on current challenges.
The event in May is the return meeting of the German and Turkish group of professionals who met in Ankara in 2025. The participants will meet again in Frankfurt am Main to reflect on their experiences, learn about media work approaches in Germany and develop new strategies for their own work. The aim is to use international youth work as a space for learning and experience and to gain new insights for educational practice in Germany – particularly for work with young people with links to Türkiye.