Tartu
Youth Work Center

Have you ever had a day where you’ve been chatting with friends on Snapchat, Instagram, or Discord all day long, but still feel lonely in the evening? It might seem strange—how can we feel lonely when we’re connected to others almost all the time? Loneliness is a topic that’s being discussed more and more. According to the World Health Organization, about one in six people experience loneliness, and young people experience it the most (WHO, 2025). At the same time, loneliness doesn’t simply mean a lack of friends; rather, it is a feeling that arises when we…

Many 21st-century skills are closely linked to thinking skills. These include, for example, creative and critical thinking, as well as a collaborative and caring mindset. These skills can also be developed in youth work through philosophical discussions with children and young people. Philosophical discussions create more space for deliberation and help participants become more skilled at articulating their opinions, listening to others, making decisions and choices, and solving problems. Through this practical activity, participants can develop their argumentation and analytical skills, critical thinking, and communication skills. It is an activity that does not require the use of the term…