Digital technologies offer immense opportunities, but they also present significant challenges.
One of the most pressing concerns identified in Telstra Foundation’s Australian Youth Digital Index (AYDI) – in fact the top safety concern of young people – was the risk of inaccurate information online. Around 45% of young people told us they were worried about coming across fake news/misinformation and not being able to tell the difference between what is fake and what is genuine.
We felt it was important to hear directly from young people about this challenge, and what they believe will help them to manage the risk.
To understand their views, the Young and Resilient Research Centre, in partnership with the Telstra Foundation, undertook qualitative research with young people across the country. In participatory workshops with 31 participants aged 8–25 , we uncovered their perceptions, strategies, and aspirations for a safer, more trustworthy online environment.
What Young People Said:
1. Online information powers learning and connection
Young people value online information for education, social awareness, and personal growth:
“Doing schoolwork is easier because you can get real news and information easily.” – Gender unknown, age unknown, NSW participant
2. Trustworthiness is a big deal
Over 80% of participants said that being able to access trustworthy news and information online is important to them. Yet, many admitted they struggle to distinguish between real and fake news:
“There is so much information online and it is hard to find trustworthy information. There are a lot of people believing in information online without checking if the information is true or not.” – Male, 24, Victoria
3. Risks are real and can be overwhelming
Participants understand the dangers of misinformation, scams and harmful content, pointing to adverse influences on wellbeing, harmful social impacts, and negative material consequences.
“It can lead to really bad decisions politically, could lead to really bad decisions for somebody’s finances, your livelihood. You can get scammed… even relationships can get ruined.” – Male, 24, NSW
“[The] burden of all the bad news can be really overwhelming- especially if you feel helpless…” Online group, 19-20, Australia
4. Algorithms can amplify the harm
Young people have strong insight into how platforms can manipulate behaviour, and that the viral and addictive nature of online content can rapidly spread harm.
“Algorithms are designed to spread information or trends decided by the company / highest bidder, this is to on purpose to get people talking about random things and distracted from more important issues, it is active psychological warfare on a global scale”- Online group, 18-25, Australia
“Instagram, TikTok, I’ve noticed that because of my algorithm I’ve developed I’m only filtered a very specific category of news now”– Gender unknown, 18-25, Australia
5. They are developing strategies and skills
Children and young people employ a range of strategies to verify online content, including:
- Triangulating sources: “If I see the same piece of information pop up more than once from different sources… then I will start to believe it may hold some truth.” – Female, 16, Queensland
- Safety checks: “Don’t click on things you don’t know.” – Male, 12, NSW; “Look at the comments and see if anyone else is challenging what is said or presenting another side”- Gender unknown, 18-25, Australia
- Using trusted sites or checking with a trusted adult: “If it’s a government site or source.” – Young adult participant; “Talk to mum and dad”- Male, 8, NSW; “Bigger new channels have a larger reputation to hold when delivering news”- Gender unknown, 18-25, Australia
- Treat AI with caution: “I think ChatGPT is insanely bad because it draws information from random places and we don’t know if we should trust them”- Female, 13, NSW
6. Ensuring access to trustworthy information is a shared responsibility
Young people accept personal responsibility but also believe ensuring access to trustworthy information is a collective effort. They want parents, schools, media, government and platforms to support young people to manage these challenges through education, and to implement safeguards that better protect them from unsafe information and news online. And they want access to practical tools to help them distinguish reliable, trustworthy information from mis/disinformation.
“Dear Prime Minister, Please monitor fake information on social media especially the use of AI in certain scenarios. It’s tricking people to believe unrealistic things.” – Female, 14, NSW
7. Young people want to be heard on matters that affect them
Children and young people believe they are not being listened to or taken seriously about the challenge of identifying trustworthy online news and information. They want their voices heard.
“I think decision makers should communicate with young people more, to create a collaborative understanding of where our minds are at.” – Online group, 18–25
Key Recommendations
The Young & Resilient report contains recommendations around platform accountability, education, government regulation and awareness-raising opportunities, and including young people in shaping policy and solutions.
Professor Philippa Collin, co-Director of the Young and Resilient Research Centre said: “Young Australians have told us loud and clear: they want an online world where information and news is accessible, safe, and trustworthy for everyone.”
“They’re already using a sophisticated toolkit of strategies to protect themselves, but they know that’s not enough. They’re calling for practical support from families, schools, and institutions, and for stronger action from decision-makers to monitor and regulate online content.”
“Importantly, they want their thoughts and experiences heard in shaping an internet that works for them. We hope this report goes someway to platforming their voices.”
The full report and recommendations can be accessed here.
About the Young & Resilient Research Centre
Based in Western Sydney University, the Young and Resilient Research Centre embraces an integrated mode of research and development, education, training, and enterprise to research and develop technology-based products, services and policies that strengthen the resilience of young people and their communities, enabling them to live well and participate fully in social and economic life.
