- Alexandra Whitwam - Community Engagement Manager, Telstra Foundation
In today’s hyper-connected world, young people are often seen as digital natives—fluent in the language of apps, platforms, and online safety. But what’s less talked about is the quiet responsibility many of them carry, teaching the adults in their lives how to navigate the digital world.
Our focus group discussions from the Australian Youth Digital Index (AYDI) revealed many parents now rely on their children for ‘tech support’, from troubleshooting connectivity issues to adjusting settings on their smart phones and avoiding scams.
Rather than relying on someone they know, young people are taking control of their digital education, including learning skills for digital careers.
The Skills index from the AYDI shows tells us less than half young people (47%) agree that their teachers/school taught them digital skills. Only two in five (43%) feel they were taught digital skills by their parents or family. Instead, young people are most likely to learn digital skills on their own (85%), either by themselves (76%) or from the internet (52%) rather than learning from someone they know (55%).
In addition, research from the eSafety Commissioner, shows nearly 60% of young Australians say they’ve shown an older family member how to use technology, and only 4% reported feeling frustrated doing so. This reversal of roles highlights how adept young people have become with technology, and their willingness to take responsibility for bringing others on the journey.
A reminder: we can’t take this for granted
The digital divide isn’t just about access – it’s about confidence, safety, and support. And while young people are often best placed to help, it’s a lot on their shoulders. They’re already navigating a complex online world of their own, full of pressures, risks, and expectations.
This isn’t just about tech support. It’s about building digital confidence and safety across generations. As the internet becomes more embedded in everyday life – from banking and healthcare to staying in touch with loved ones – these skills are essential.
At the Telstra Foundation, we believe in the power of young people to lead – not just in their own lives, but in their communities, and we recognise the largely invisible work they do in their homes and communities. When we support them to build digital skills and confidence, we’re not just preparing them for the future – we’re helping them shape it.
My siblings had to teach themselves a lot, and I offered them support from my friends – instead of my parents. Which is why I think tech literacy is so important.
- Abbey, 18, Youth Advisory Council
Instead of Googling it, they ask me.
- Young person, Male, 14-17 years, Metro NSW
I found that I had to educate my parents…because they didn’t grow up with technology like we did. My mum’s had the phone call scam, hacked into the computer things and I had to go mum… you can’t do that. … I felt like as the kid I was teaching my parents online safety.
- Young person, Female, 18-25 years
