This dissertation explores the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in social work with young people, stemming from the recognized opportunity to enrich practice with technology that is an integral part of young people's daily lives. The central research question is how ICT can contribute to establishing contact with young people and to the support and help processes while preserving the fundamental values of the profession. The theoretical section analyzes ICT's development in social work from initial resistance to contemporary practices, with an emphasis on the COVID-19 turning point. The research is based on a postmodern collaborative social-constructionist paradigm, which prioritizes the relational experience between the social worker and the young person and understands ICT as socially constructed tools whose meaning is shaped by interaction and context. The study presents young people's digital habits and the advantages and challenges of ICT use, ranging from improved accessibility and reduced stigma to ethical dilemmas and blurred professional boundaries. Methodologically, the study follows a mixed-methods design with elements of action research: a quantitative survey, a focus group, training for social workers, four months of monitoring ICT use in practice, and final interviews. Findings reveal social workers' ambivalent attitude toward ICT - they recognize its potential but express reservations about maintaining personal contact. Key challenges include technical barriers, lack of digital competencies, and the dilemma of constant availability. The research debunks the stereotype of young people as a homogeneous group and highlights their diverse preferences. Administrative use of ICT predominates, while its use in the counseling process is less common. Non-governmental organizations prove more flexible and innovative than public institutions. The most effective approaches are hybrid ones that thoughtfully combine personal contact with digital tools. The dissertation concludes that ICT is not a substitute for traditional social work, but can meaningfully complement it.
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