How to use the report
Learn about how our reports and findings can be used to inform research, policy, and strategy to benefit young people’s lives.
Report methodology
The methodology for the Australian Youth Digital Index involves a quantitative and a qualitative study.
Quantitative study
- A large-scale online survey was conducted with a nationally representative sample of 4,718 young people aged 8-25, including 1,055 aged 8-13, 875 aged 14-17, and 2,788 aged 18-25.
- The survey addressed various research questions to provide a representative benchmark of how digital technology impacts young people’s lives.
- The fieldwork took place from June to August 2024.
- Final data was weighted to match representative benchmarks from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, considering factors like age, gender and location.
Qualitative study
- This phase involved a series of focus groups and in-depth interviews with young people and those working with young people.
- Focus groups included young people aged 18-25 and parents of young people aged 8-17.
- In-depth interviews were conducted online and lasted 45-60 minutes, involving a diverse group of young people and social workers.
- The combination of these two phases ensured a comprehensive understanding of young people’s digital lives, their attitudes, behaviours, perceptions and experiences.
How to use it
Here are some ways to use the Australian Youth Digital Index report to support your own work, understand the digital landscape for young Australians, and develop informed strategies for improving their digital experiences and outcomes.
Explore key findings
Review the key findings section to get an overview of the most important insights from the research. This includes statistics on device access, connectivity issues, digital skills, online safety, and wellbeing insights
Analyse the results in the five pillars
The Index is structured around five key pillars: Access, Connectivity, Skills, Safety, and Wellbeing. Each pillar provides detailed information on specific aspects of young people’s digital lives. One or several of these may inform your work or advocacy for young people.
Use the data for policy development
The report is designed to inform policy development and encourage debate. Use the data to identify areas where improvements are needed and to develop strategies to address digital inclusion gaps.
Engage with stakeholders
Share the findings with key stakeholders in the youth and digital sectors to foster collaboration and drive positive change. The report includes insights from both an Expert Advisory Group and a Youth Advisory Council.
Track trends over time
The Index will be published annually, allowing you to track trends and measure progress in digital inclusion and literacy among young Australians.
Utilise case studies and quotes
The report includes qualitative data, such as case studies and quotes from young people to provide a deeper understanding of their experiences and perspectives. Use these insights to support your initiatives and advocacy efforts.
How to cite it
We encourage you to make use of the Australian Youth Digital Index data in your own published works or across your company or organisation. If you do choose to draw from the data and insights from either the Index report or dashboard, you must acknowledge the source as the Telstra Foundation’s Australian Youth Digital Index and provide a link to the platform (where appropriate).
About Wallis Social Research
Wallis Social Research is our research partner responsible for conducting the quantitative and qualitative research that underpins the Australian Youth Digital Index report. The expertise of Wallis Social Research has ensured that the Index and its reports provide a comprehensive view of the digital behaviours, views, abilities and concerns of young people.
