Information Flows and Youth in Stressed Environments

This group explores the potential impact of mobile communications, and the provision of broadband access, on youth in stressed environments. The initial focus will be on how this may affect Afghan stabilization and reconstruction, but insights are welcome that can be applied in any environment.

Experience in many societies, developed and developing, shows that young people will use new access to information differently than their elders. For example, they often establish lateral communication channels that challenge the hierarchical nature of their societies. The continuing build-out of Afghanistan’s cell phone coverage suggests that such access may be widely available there sooner than many expect. Various initiatives like FabFi and Rotary Club in Nangarhar Province may provide wideband services to schools and hospitals there. The Assistant Secretary of Defense (Health Affairs) and others are looking at ways to use mobile devices to deliver public health and other essential services. The World Bank Governance blog offers thoughts on m-governance. Other articles address mobile phones and social change in Costa Rica.

Unfortunately, these important trends often aren't addressed by many policy makers. This group hopefully will help develop some options for them. Inputs and active dialogue welcome.