WELLBEING

IN DIGITAL ECOLOGIES

We Are Secure

INTRO | WE ARE SECURE

UNICEF Canada defines security as having reliable access to life’s necessities—affordable housing, nutritious food, quality public services, and essential supports such as health care, education, childcare, transportation, and internet access. Security also includes being able to participate fully in social and cultural life through affordable opportunities. Our research asks: How does access to the internet and digital technology affect young people’s material security and their ability to meet these basic needs?

DIGITAL PORTRAITS

Hear directly from Canadian Gen Z youth in these short videos. Filmed 2024–2025.

RESEARCH SNAPSHOT | WE ARE SECURE

by: Dr. James Stinson

For Canadian youth, access to digital technology has become a key determinant of material security (having basic necessities) and overall socio-economic wellbeing.

While technological innovations offer unprecedented opportunities, they also exacerbate existing inequities, especially for youth who experience poverty, racialization, rural isolation, or other forms of marginalization.

(Harris, Straker, & Pollock, 2017; Hassan & Daniel, 2020)

The digital landscape shapes opportunities for income generation, access to housing, food security, educational attainment, and healthcare.

(Ahuja, Chan, & Krishnamurthy, 2023; Cheshmehzangi, Zou, Su, & Tang, 2023)

The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted how unequal access to digital tools and connectivity can deepen socio-economic vulnerabilities.

(Intahchomphoo & Vellino, 2024; Weeden & Kelly, 2021)

This review synthesizes findings from multiple studies to examine how digital technology impacts Canadian youth’s access to:

(1) Income and Employment
(2) Housing
(3) Food Security
(4) Education
(5) Healthcare & the broader implications for socio-economic wellbeing

INCOME AND EMPLOYMENT

Access to digital technologies is closely linked to youth employment opportunities in Canada. Research demonstrates that youth from lower-income households or rural areas often lack reliable access to internet-enabled devices and digital literacy, limiting their ability to access online job platforms or remote work opportunities (Finnie, Mueller, & Sweetman, 2018; Kelly, 2020; McMahon, Akcayir, McNally, & Okheena, 2021).

The emergence of the gig economy, characterized by platform-mediated freelance or short-term work, has created both opportunities and vulnerabilities for young Canadians (Kostyshyna & Luu, 2019; MacDonald & Giazitzoglu, 2019; Orth, 2025). Digital platforms facilitate flexible employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, yet they also expose youth to precarious conditions, including unstable income, lack of social protections, and algorithmic oversight that shapes work availability and remuneration (Rosenblat, 2018; Thirgood & Johal, 2016; Smit & Stopforth, 2023).

Gender and intersectional disparities further complicate digital employment access. Young women and racialized youth are disproportionately represented in lower-paying or insecure digital gig work, highlighting structural inequalities in the digital economy (Hunt & Samman, 2019; Hassan & Daniel, 2020).

Similarly, Indigenous youth and youth in remote northern communities encounter barriers to online labor markets due to limited connectivity, inadequate devices, and lower digital literacy (McMahon et al., 2021; Intahchomphoo, 2018; Weeden & Kelly, 2021). These inequities underscore the importance of targeted interventions to enhance digital skills and ensure equitable access to digital employment pathways.

HOUSING

Digital technology increasingly mediates access to housing resources, including rental platforms, online applications, and communications with landlords. Studies indicate that youth who lack reliable internet or digital skills may face difficulties in locating suitable housing, resulting in housing insecurity (Templeman, Anderson, & MacKenzie, 2024; Patial, Torres, Berezan, Talwar, & Davidson, 2025).

Moreover, unstable or insecure housing can directly limit access to digital technologies. Youth experiencing homelessness, temporary accommodations, or frequent residential mobility often lack stable internet connections, devices, or private spaces to use technology effectively, compounding existing digital inequities (Singh & Chobotaru, 2022; Jonsson, 2024; Templeman et al., 2024). Digital exclusion also restricts youth from accessing online resources related to tenant rights, affordable housing programs, and support services, leaving marginalized youth without critical information for securing stable housing (Singh & Chobotaru, 2022; Jonsson, 2024).

Youth from marginalized communities—including newcomers, racialized groups, and Indigenous populations—experience compounded barriers when attempting to access housing digitally. Inadequate connectivity and low digital literacy exacerbate vulnerabilities in housing markets increasingly mediated through digital platforms (Calderón-Gómez, Casas-Mas, Urraco-Solanilla, & Revilla, 2020; Templeman et al., 2024). These findings highlight the intersection of socio-economic and digital inequities, suggesting that housing interventions must consider digital accessibility as a core component of equity-focused policy design.

FOOD SECURITY

Digital technology can influence access to food and nutrition resources. Online platforms offer avenues to locate food banks, community meal programs, and nutrition education materials, potentially mitigating food insecurity among youth (Vergeer et al., 2025; Norman et al., 2025).

However, youth without reliable internet access or digital literacy may remain unaware of such resources, reinforcing existing disparities in material wellbeing (Templeman et al., 2024; Rideout, 2016). Research further demonstrates that exposure to digital marketing, particularly related to unhealthy foods, can exacerbate socio-economic inequalities in nutrition. Youth from lower-income backgrounds are more likely to encounter targeted digital food advertising, which may influence purchasing patterns and dietary outcomes (Vergeer et al., 2025). Consequently, digital inclusion efforts must address both access and literacy, ensuring that youth can navigate online spaces critically and equitably.

EDUCATION

Education represents one of the most profoundly impacted domains by the digital divide. The COVID-19 pandemic starkly illustrated disparities in access to online learning resources, as students without sufficient devices or broadband connectivity experienced significant educational setbacks (Cheshmehzangi et al., 2023; Haight, Quan-Haase, & Corbett, 2016; Kelly, 2020). Students from low-income households, Indigenous communities, and racialized backgrounds were disproportionately affected, reflecting structural inequalities in both digital and educational access (Harris et al., 2017; Hassan & Daniel, 2020; Intahchomphoo, 2018).

Studies in Ontario and Manitoba demonstrate that school-based digital initiatives, while improving access, often fail to reach the most marginalized youth unless accompanied by broader support structures, including digital literacy training and culturally relevant content (Chen, 2015; Looker & Thiessen, 2003; Ashton & Girard, 2013). Beyond access, disparities exist in the utility of digital tools, with some youth lacking skills to leverage technology for learning effectively (Calderón Gómez, 2018; Micheli, 2015; Korovkin, Park, & Kaganer, 2023).

Digital inequities also affect post-secondary and career pathways. Young Canadians navigating the digital economy require advanced digital competencies to participate in higher education and secure skilled employment (Finnie et al., 2018; Nordin & Mathew, 2024). Insufficient access to technology and skill development can constrain socio-economic mobility, reinforcing cycles of disadvantage. Bridging these gaps through inclusive educational policies and targeted digital literacy programs is essential for equitable youth development (Gurbanli & Mammadzada, 2024; Parsons & Hick, 2008).

HEALTHCARE

Digital technology has reshaped healthcare access for youth, particularly through telemedicine, online mental health services, and health information platforms (Skinner, Biscope, Poland, & Goldberg, 2003; Norman et al., 2025). For youth in rural or remote regions, digital tools offer critical access to healthcare services otherwise unavailable locally (McMahon et al., 2021; Intahchomphoo & Vellino, 2024).

However, disparities in digital access and literacy can impede the utilization of online healthcare services. Youth without adequate devices or connectivity may face delays in accessing care, lack awareness of available resources, or be unable to navigate digital health systems effectively (Norman et al., 2025; Murray, 2021). Additionally, reliance on online sources for health information exposes youth to misinformation, especially in the absence of digital literacy skills to evaluate content critically (Skinner et al., 2003; Shahzad, 2024). Equitable access to digital healthcare, therefore, requires both infrastructure investments and education in digital health literacy.

Digital literacy underpins all aspects of socio-economic wellbeing, mediating the ability to leverage digital tools for income, education, housing, food security, and healthcare. Multiple studies emphasize that disparities in skills—not merely device or internet access—contribute to inequities among youth (Calderón Gómez, 2018; Harris et al., 2017; Micheli, 2015; Korovkin et al., 2023). Youth with strong digital competencies can navigate online labor markets, educational platforms, and public services effectively, while those lacking such skills face compounded disadvantage.
Government and community initiatives play a critical role in enhancing digital inclusion. Public libraries, school programs, and community centers have provided devices, internet access, and digital skills training, mitigating some aspects of the digital divide (Intahchomphoo & Vellino, 2024; Rideout, 2016; Kelly, 2020). Nevertheless, structural inequalities—such as socio-economic status, geographic location, and systemic discrimination—continue to shape access and outcomes (Haight et al., 2016; Koch, 2022; Fong & Cao, 2008). Comprehensive policies that integrate digital infrastructure, skills development, and targeted supports for marginalized youth are necessary to achieve equitable outcomes.
The digital divide intersects with broader socio-economic and structural inequalities. Research demonstrates that race, income, rurality, and Indigenous identity significantly affect access to technology and its benefits (Fong & Cao, 2008; Haight et al., 2016; Hassan & Daniel, 2020; Intahchomphoo, 2018). For instance, Black and Indigenous youth are less likely to have reliable devices or high-speed internet, limiting access to online education, health services, and employment (Hassan & Daniel, 2020; Intahchomphoo, 2018; McMahon et al., 2021). Rural youth also face unique challenges related to infrastructure gaps, which affect both learning and labor market engagement (Weeden & Kelly, 2021; Kelly, 2020; Ashton & Girard, 2013).
The structural dimensions of digital exclusion highlight that access alone is insufficient; digital literacy, culturally relevant content, and supportive policies are essential for translating access into tangible socio-economic benefits (Shade, Bailey, Burkell, Regan, & Steeves, 2020; Korovkin et al., 2023; Parsons & Hick, 2008). Addressing these intersecting barriers is critical to ensuring that digital technologies contribute positively to youth material security and socio-economic mobility.
Effective policy responses to the digital divide must address both access and skills. Strategies include expanding broadband infrastructure in rural and remote areas, providing affordable devices, and implementing digital literacy programs targeted at marginalized youth (Ashton & Girard, 2013; Weeden & Kelly, 2021; Intahchomphoo & Vellino, 2024).
School-based initiatives, public library programs, and community partnerships have demonstrated promise in enhancing access and skill development (Kelly, 2020; Intahchomphoo & Vellino, 2024; Rideout, 2016). Policy approaches should also consider the socio-economic and cultural contexts of youth. For instance, digital inclusion programs must be tailored to meet the needs of Indigenous communities, racialized youth, and newcomers, ensuring that interventions are culturally relevant and address systemic barriers (Intahchomphoo, 2018; Jonsson, 2024; Hassan & Daniel, 2020). Additionally, regulation of digital labor platforms and gig work can protect youth from exploitation, while promoting equitable participation in the digital economy (Rosenblat, 2018; Smit & Stopforth, 2023; MacDonald & Giazitzoglu, 2019).

CONCLUSION

Access to digital technology is a critical determinant of material security and socio-economic wellbeing among Canadian youth. Digital inequalities affect youth’s ability to secure income, housing, food, education, and healthcare, exacerbating existing disparities based on income, race, Indigenous identity, and geographic location.

 (Harris et al., 2017; Hassan & Daniel, 2020; Koch, 2022)

Bridging the digital divide requires comprehensive interventions that integrate infrastructure expansion, skill development, culturally relevant content, and supportive policies across multiple domains. Addressing digital inequities is essential to ensure that all youth in Canada can fully participate in the socio-economic opportunities of the digital age.

(Shade et al., 2020; Parsons & Hick, 2008; Korovkin et al., 2023)

Addressing digital inequities is essential to ensure that all youth in Canada can fully participate in the socio-economic opportunities of the digital age.

How to Cite this Text: Stinson, J. (2025). We Are Secure. In Digital Wellbeing Hub. Young Lives Research Lab. https://www.digitalwellbeinghub.ca/we-are-secure — Funded by the Government of Canada.

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