Online charity launches pioneering research project

Online charity YouthNet has announced an innovative new research project looking into young people’s use of mobile devices.

The research, funded by the Nominet Trust, will focus on two main areas - how young people are using mobile devices as a tool to access online information and how online help-seeking online behaviour amongst 16 to 25 year-olds varies according to which devices are being used.

Emma Thomas, Chief Executive at YouthNet, said: “As the internet becomes available through an ever growing range of devices and new communication platforms become more popular, young people are accessing information in different ways, so it’s crucial we’re able to understand this and continue to develop our support services to reach them wherever they are.”

“We’re delighted that the Nominet Trust is supporting YouthNet for this project, as it’s the first of its kind and will help to inform the sector about how young people are accessing help today.”

The research will ultimately inform how YouthNet delivers support to young people and will take part in three stages:

• Insight - exploring young people’s behaviours and attitudes in relation to mobile devices
• Innovation - developing and testing ideas around how to deliver information through mobile devices
• Dissemination  -  YouthNet and the Nominet Trust share knowledge from the research with other organisations.

Annika Small, Chief Executive of Nominet Trust, commented: "Nominet Trust is proud to be supporting YouthNet in this project and we’re very excited by the opportunities this research will bring. Indeed, as new digital technologies emerge, it’s natural that the way in which young people access and understand information will continue to change. In order to continue helping young people, it’s important that we understand these changes and develop new and tailored solutions accordingly”

Media Enquiries:

For further information – or to arrange interviews – please contact Katy Miller at YouthNet on 020 7250 5716 or out-of-hours on 07766 660 755.  Email media@youthnet.org

Notes to editors

• YouthNet is the UK’s first exclusively online charity and was founded by Martyn Lewis in 1995.  It helps young people aged 16 to 25 make informed choices today for a brighter tomorrow by providing them with impartial information and support about anything and everything. YouthNet does this through two online services; the guide to life for 16 to 25 year-olds TheSite.org, the UK’s leading volunteering website Do-it
• TheSite.org provides essential, straight-talking, anonymous advice to young people aged 16 to 25 about the issues affecting their lives
• TheSite.org includes an online community with 41,000 registered users plus a series of articles, blogs, podcasts and videos covering anything and everything relevant to 16 to 25 year-olds
• In 2011, an average of 91,000 16 to 25 year olds in the UK visited TheSite.org each month
• Run by online charity YouthNet, Do-it (do-it.org.uk) hosts around 1 million volunteering opportunities, searchable by postcode, plus articles and advice on finding the perfect role
• By the end of March 2012, 942,244 volunteers were registered on Do-it and each month more than 50,000 opportunities are applied for through the site.
• Nominet Trust is a UK registered charity, which advocates the imaginative use of digital technologies to improve lives and communities. Since its inception in September 2008, Nominet Trust has invested in hundreds of projects, providing business support as well as financial investment, seeking to make a positive difference to the lives of disadvantaged and vulnerable people. www.nominettrust.org.uk