New Article Explores Digital News Inequalities Among Youth in Residential Care

A new peer-reviewed article co-authored by Maria José Brites, coordinator of the MeLCi Lab, and Teresa Sofia Castro, a member of the Lab, has been published in Vulnerable Children and Youth Studies (Taylor & Francis). The paper, titled Digital news and inequalities: perspectives of young people in residential care system, is authored by Maria João Leote de Carvalho, Teresa Sofia Castro, and Maria José Brites.

The study examines how young people living in residential care facilities within the Portuguese child-protection system access and use digital media and news. Drawing on a survey of 75 youths, the article explores their news habits, preferred information sources, credibility assessments, emotional responses, and the impact of institutional constraints on media use.

Results indicate persistent challenges related to digital exclusion and unequal access to media. While television remains a central news medium inside institutional routines, social media and smartphones play a stronger role when youths are outside these structures. The study also highlights the importance of institutional peers—who share daily life 24/7—as key reference points for verifying information, in contrast to youths living with their families. Emotional and relational dimensions strongly shape their news experiences, often marked by perceptions of sadness, annoyance, and distrust.

The authors argue for the development of tailored digital literacy strategies and for national-level public policies ensuring equal access to technology and media training for both youth and residential-care staff. They also recommend clearer institutional regulations on media access to reduce disparities between facilities.

The full article is available open access: https://doi.org/10.1080/17450128.2025.2572785