The Digital Experiences of Australian Youth
Harnessing child and youth perspectives to better understand their access to trustworthy news and information online.
Our Vision
The Telstra Foundation funds initiatives committed to ensuring that children and young people (CYP) across Australia can thrive in a connected world. This project draws on Y&R’s long-standing expertise conducting participatory research with CYP about their experiences with and perspectives of the benefits and challenges of digital technology access. Sponsored by TF, this project contributed to advancing understandings of the digital needs and experiences of young Australians by enhancing the Australian Youth Digital Index (AYDI), an annual study and digital resource launched in 2024 to monitor young people’s digital access, connectivity, skills, safety, and wellbeing that intends to inform policy and improve online safety and digital inclusion. The research bolstered the impact of the AYDI survey findings presented in the 2025 annual survey report by surfacing the perspectives of young Australians on a specific experience they encounter in navigating digital environments.
Our Project Plan
To gain an-in-depth understanding of CYP’s interactions and experiences online, Y&R conducted two 2-hour online, qualitative, participatory workshops with CYP (aged 13-17 and 18-25), and one 2-hour in-person workshop with children aged 8-12. Workshops explored CYP’s perceptions of accessing trustworthy information and news online. This topic was identified as a priority by AYDI survey respondents in 2025.
Creative workshop activities encouraged CYP to discuss and reflect on their experiences of accessing trustworthy news and information online including challenges, opportunities and aspirations.
Project History
This project will build upon Telstra Foundation’s AYDI survey to capture children and young people’s engagement with digital technology.
What Impact will this research have?
The insights from this research will inform Telstra Foundation’s future initiatives. Other institutions and organisations, such as government, youth-facing organisations and schools, can also draw on the research to make sure children and young people are engaging in positive, safe online spaces.
Outputs
This project will produce one insights report, which will be made available online. Please contact the team if you would like to be informed of when they are published.
Outcomes
- New knowledge of accessing trustworthy news and information online in Australia as perceived and experienced by children and young people.
- Informing future tech-based programs led by Telstra Foundation.
Collaboration team
Internal
- Professor Amanda Third
- Professor Philippa Collin
- Dr Girish Lala
- Dr Pavithra Rajan
- Lilly Moody
- Daniel Prichard
- Fiona Jiang
- Tamima Rahman
External
- Telstra Foundation
Funding
This project is funded by the Telstra Foundation.
Sustainable Development Goals
This project addresses SDG 4: Quality education
Streams
Learning and work
Period
2024 – 2026
Contact
If you would like to get in contact with the Telstra Foundation Evaluation team, please email Dr Pavithra Rajan at p.rajan@westernsydney.edu.au
