DEVELOPING THE LEGAL CULTURE OF YOUTH IN THE DIGITAL ENVIRONMENT: CURRENT CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS

Abstract

The rapid development of digital technologies has significantly transformed the social, educational, and legal environment in which young people live. While digital platforms provide unprecedented opportunities for communication, education, and civic engagement, they also generate new legal and ethical challenges, including cybercrime, cyberbullying, privacy violations, misinformation, hate speech, and online fraud. These challenges require a comprehensive approach to strengthening the legal culture of youth. This study examines the theoretical and practical aspects of developing the legal culture of young people in the digital environment. The research analyzes the relationship between legal awareness, legal education, digital literacy, and responsible online behavior. Particular attention is paid to the role of educational institutions, family, state policy, and digital platforms in promoting respect for the rule of law and responsible digital citizenship. The study also explores the legal framework of Uzbekistan concerning youth policy and digital transformation while considering international approaches proposed by UNESCO, the United Nations, and the Council of Europe. The findings indicate that improving the legal culture of youth requires integrating legal education with digital competence, critical thinking, media literacy, and ethical values. Strengthening cooperation among educational institutions, public organizations, and government agencies is essential for creating a secure and legally conscious digital society. The research concludes that developing youth legal culture in the digital environment is not only a national priority but also an important prerequisite for sustainable democratic development and the protection of human rights in the digital age.