Insights and blogs

Catch up on the latest insights, research findings, articles, and case studies from the Australian Youth Digital Index.

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Here's our top five takeaways from this year's Australian Youth Digital Index

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AllInsightsBlogs

2025 Index – Launch, highlights and resources

Revisit the 2025 Australian Youth Digital Index launch session with the video and key resources.

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The New Classmate: How AI Is reshaping learning for a generation

We explore how artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming education for young Australians, enhancing learning experiences, bridging digital divides, and empowering both students and educators with...

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2025 Index – What stands out – 5 key takeaways

Here's our top five takeaways from this year's Australian Youth Digital Index

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Digital inclusion and gender: what the index reveals about young Australians

We explore how the Australian Youth Digital Index uncovers key gender differences in digital access, wellbeing, device use, social media habits, and future aspirations among...

Illustration of Code Club Australia Coders

No Experience? No Problem: the AI Coding Revolution (and Why Kids Still Need to Learn to Code)

We explore how AI is making coding more accessible for young people, while it enables foundational computational thinking and problem-solving skills.

Illustration of young person looking at safety messages on a computer and phone

In their words: Young Australians address the challenges of finding truth online

Young Australians share their concerns, strategies, and calls to action for navigating misinformation and ensuring trustworthy information in the digital age.

Illustration of a young person sitting on a beanbag using the Mello app

Gen Z turns to AI for mental health advice – but are the chatbots ready?

nearly half of young Australians now turn to online sources, including AI chatbots, for mental health support, we look at the opportunities and risks of...

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Working with young Australians to build respectful and inclusive online spaces

We explore how young Australians navigate the complexities of digital life, highlighting the importance of empowering youth voices and fostering inclusive, safe online communities through...

Illustration of Digital Women Rangers using digital tech

Caring for Country in a digital age: empowering Indigenous women rangers

The Digital Women Rangers program empowers Indigenous women to build digital skills and confidence in culturally safe environments, enabling them to care for Country, strengthen...

Images of all the members of the 2025 Telstra Foundation Youth Advisory Council

How Telstra Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council shaped the Australian Youth Digital Index

Find out how our Youth Advisory Council played a pivotal role in shaping the Australian Youth Digital Index by bringing authentic youth voices, lived experience,...

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More Than Books: Libraries as Digital Hangouts for Young People

Libraries in regional communities are transforming into vibrant digital hubs and social spaces, offering young people not just access to books, but also reliable internet,...

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Levelling up – building ‘Project:Ranked’ from code to community

Discover how Micah from our Youth Advisory Council turned a passion for coding and community into Project:Ranked - a fair, fun, and rewarding digital competition...

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Digital inclusion has a postcode: city vs regional

We explore how the latest Australian Youth Digital Index reveals a persistent digital divide between city and regional young people in Australia, highlighting disparities in...

Jackie Coates, Sucheta and Alex seated on stage talking about the index

Young people have their say about the Australian Youth Digital Index results

Two members of our Youth Advisory Council attended the Australian Youth Digital Index launch to share their reflections on working on this initiative and what...

Vicki Brady, CEO Telstra presenting at a podium at the launch of the Australian Youth Digital Index

Vicki Brady introduces the Australian Youth Digital Index

Vicki Brady, CEO Telstra, shares the importance of the Australian Youth Digital Index in providing valuable insights into the digital lives of young people across...

Teenage girls making selfie outdoors while sitting on longboards. Happy friends in the park on a sunny day.

Giving young people the mic: why listening to young voices is key to a better digital future

We're partnering with UNICEF Australia to give young people a voice, and to promote responsible digital citizenship, helping create a safer online environment for children...

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The AYDI: recognising impact and focussing on the gaps

PROJECT ROCKIT, Australia's youth-driven movement against bullying, hate and prejudice. share their thoughts on the importance of the Australian Youth Digital Index

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Being a good online citizen

Exposure to unsafe content is a reality for most young people, but pleasingly, most young people told us they still felt confident in their ability...

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Raising digital citizens: How young Australians are learning to stay safe online

Young Australians generally have a strong understanding of online safety and are confident in their ability to navigate online spaces.

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The social enterprise focused on getting a million women and girls into tech careers by 2030

From running the world’s first all-women hackathon to coding forums and AI workshops, Girl Geek Academy empowers young women and gender-diverse folk to pursue their...

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Exploring the Australian Youth Digital Index pillars

The inaugural Australian Youth Digital Index, is a comprehensive benchmarking tool that captures the digital lives of young Australians. Here we explore the five key...

Three students working together with laptops and tablets outside a contemporary university building, showcasing teamwork and technology in education.

Empowering young people through digital capabilities and confidence

Digital skills are increasingly important in the workplace, and young people know it.

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Empowering young people – where do adults fit into the picture?

As young people navigate a world where the physical environment seamlessly interacts with the virtual, empowering them with the skills to stay safe online is...

Young girl in red jumper doing her homework with digital tablet at home

The importance of technology access for young people: A perspective from the Alannah & Madeline Foundation

The Alannah & Madeline Foundation believes every child has the right to a happy, safe life free from violence and trauma. Telstra Foundation support this...

Teenager Lying in Bed at Night Using Smartphone

Sleep vs screen time: How to get a better night’s sleep

Young people in Australia are highly connected, with most having access to some sort of digital device. While there are many benefits to being connected,...

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Empowering young minds: Rethinking mental health support with technology

Orygen Digital is reimagining mental health support for young Australians, driven by our belief that all young people and families have the right to effective...

Two young girls sitting at a desk and taking part in the code club australia skill development program

Empowering future careers: The impact of Code Club Australia’s skill development programs

Telstra Foundation powers Code Club Australia, it’s an important part of the way we’re enabling critical thinking and digital skills for children and young people.

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Staying connected: supporting young Australians through the cost-of-living squeeze

Times are tough for a many Australians right now. For young people balancing student debt and daily living expenses, keeping up with quality internet and reliable...

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Beyond blackspots: How patchy internet impacts young people’s access to technology….and what we are doing about it

Reliable internet access is more than a convenience—it's essential for so many aspects of our lives, from education and socialising to communicating in an emergency.

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Crafting the ideal digital world: Insights from Telstra Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council

Our Youth Advisory Council shares their ideal digital world with this short video.

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Australian Youth Digital Index: Five key findings

Telstra Foundation’s release of the first-ever Australian Youth Digital Index provides a comprehensive snapshot of young Australians’ digital lives. Based on responses from over 4,700...

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Bridging the gap: How Telstra Foundation and WorkVentures are transforming digital access for young Australians in need

For Caroline McDaid, CEO of WorkVentures, the social enterprise’s mission has always been clear — to provide access to technology for those who need it...

Three teenagers sitting against a brick wall and interacting with their smartphones

A day in our digital life: Perspectives from Telstra Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council

Our Youth Advisory Council explores how young people navigate a digital world filled with fun, creativity, and challenges. Their insights highlight the need for balance...