Future Youth Wellbeing Research
We are FYRE 🔥🔥🔥 – the Future Youth Wellbeing Research group – at the University of York. Our mission is to understand and improve youth wellbeing in the digital age. We do this by:
- Conducting high-quality interdisciplinary research
- Designing and evaluating educational and digital interventions
- Working across organisations to improve policy and practice
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RESEARCH
Interdisciplinary Research
We conduct high quality interdisciplinary research on youth wellbeing in the digital age. Our research combines qualitative and quantitative methods to produce holistic understandings of complex behaviour. We are especially interested in understanding the experiences of vulnerable groups and marginalized communities.
Improving Wellbeing-Focused Online Media Literacy in Schools
Funded by the Nuffield Foundation, this project will systematically examine the effectiveness of wellbeing-focused online media literacy interventions in English secondary schools to develop a What Works guide for teachers…
YorSay: Understanding Youth Health and Wellbeing in York
Local authorities and schools have an important role to play in supporting youth health and wellbeing but need up-to-date, useful & relevant data on local needs to successfully deliver evidence-based policy and practice. The YorSay PILOT will create a snapshot understanding of youth health and wellbeing in York…
Racially Minoritized Girls’ Experiences of Community-based Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment – is a pressing societal issue. Working with Born in Bradford Centre for Social Change, we aim to understand how racially minoritized girls’ experiences of sexual harassment link to broader developmental outcomes including mental health….
REAL WORLD IMPACT
Impacting Lives
We work across organisations to translate our research findings into real world impact by shaping policy and practice. We also design and evaluate interventions aimed at improving youth wellbeing and digital literacy.
OPPORTUNITIES
Connect with Us
Consultancy & Media
Through our consultancy services, we translate cutting-edge research into practical solutions to enhance youth wellbeing and promote positive technology use. Our work spans sectors, including education, industry, public services, and the third sector. Past projects have included co-producing classroom resources with young people, designing for e-safety, and supporting youth-led innovation. We also offer expertise in research design and regularly conduct contract research tailored to organisational needs.
We’re always happy to speak to the media about our research. If you’re a journalist or media professional, please complete the enquiry form below and we’ll get back to you promptly.
Research & Study
We welcome expressions of interest from enthusiastic early career researchers keen to undertake research with us — including prospective interns, PhD students, and Postdoctoral Fellows — for the 2026/27 academic year. Proposed projects should focus on youth wellbeing in the digital age.
While we do not currently have funded posts available, we are happy to support strong applicants in applying to a range of external funding schemes. Get in touch using the enquiry form below to discuss your ideas.
FYRE 🔥🔥🔥 