- Alexandra Whitwam - Senior Manager Campaigns and Digital Storytellin, Telstra Foundation
The first Australian Youth Digital Index, released today by the Telstra Foundation, reveals most young people feel in control of what they do and see online but also recognise the need for balance to protect their sleep and wellbeing.
The Index examines the use, attitudes and relationship Australian young people have with digital technology. Built on responses from more than 4,700 people aged 8 to 25, it offers an extensive look into how Australian young people use technology, and shares their reflections on skills, confidence, safety and expectations around online interactions.
“The Australian Digital Youth Index elevates the voices of the first generation to grow up digital.”
“We know there are a variety of views about the risks and opportunities around young peoples’ use of technology. This research shows that young people believe they have a deep understanding of the digital world, and are developing skills to protect their health, finances, and identities.
“Over the coming years we intend to build on this year’s Index so that we can continue to hear young peoples’ own views on their evolving relationship with the digital world.”
- Vicki Brady, Telstra CEO
The Index shows there are important differences and nuances that exist across age brackets, gender, location and income when it comes to young people’s access, safety and online wellbeing.
And while the overall picture from the Index is one of optimism, many young people still lack the essential technology needed to thrive: nearly 1.16 million don’t have access at home to crucial educational tools like laptops or desktops, hampering their academic success, workplace readiness, and overall potential.
Key insights from the index
Insights from the research include:
- Three in five (61%) young people agree that using social media is a positive experience for them, and 67% say that being online helps them keep in touch with friends they would otherwise not speak to.
- Most young people (81%) understand the potential permanence of their actions online, which makes them more cautious about what they share, post, or engage with.
- Girls are more likely than boys to find digital tasks easy; but are much less likely to pursue a career using advanced digital skills. 74% of young people agree that digital skills are essential for their future career.
- In a challenge across the community, around 19% of all young people lack access to a learning device (laptop/desktop computer) at home.
- Less than half of young people say they learned digital skills at school, and even fewer feel their parents or family taught them how to navigate technology. Instead, most young people take a self-taught approach—85% say they learn digital skills, at least in part, on their own.
Young people have picked up the slack on digital education of adults and are not only teaching themselves, they are the “go to” IT support for their parents and other family members.
“This first-of-its-kind research wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the thousands of young people who generously participated and the guidance of our Youth Advisory Council who have provided valuable insights on the data and what it means.”
“The Index is an open access tool - we welcome and encourage community groups, governments, educators and, of course, young people themselves to take advantage of the full data set and qualitative insights. Telstra Foundation will publish this Index annually, allowing us to track trends over time.”
- Jackie Coates, Telstra Foundation CEO
