In the contemporary digital age, young people are amongst the first generation to ever have to navigate growing up within the rapidly evolving online landscape. With young people recognised as experts by experience in this respect, it would make sense to consult with them directly as to how the digital space can be safeguarded for the wellbeing of every individual. But this is often not the case.

This panel of presenters pivots from the outdated notion of business as usual, positioning youth voices at the fore. With specific attention to addressing technology-facilitated abuse within the context of young people, NAPCAN Consent and Respectful Relationships Educators and National Youth Advisors, Libby Payne, Paris McMahon, Nooria Ahmadi, and Ruben Sherriff, will engage in a rich discussion interweaving their varying respective experiences and knowledges as young people, educators, advocates, survivors, and cultural leaders.

Key Learnings:

With a topical focus on the exacerbators of technology-facilitated abuse, such as a failing and unprepared legal system, the exponential growth of AI, and the national crisis of men’s violence, listeners will leave with three key take-aways:

1. To develop an understanding of how technology impacts the present social, dating, and sexual landscape for young people, and to have understanding this inform your organisational ways of thinking and doing;

2. How to achieve social, systematic, and legal change regarding technology-facilitated abuse in your own communities; and,

3. How to effectively incorporate the voices and perspectives of young people in addressing and preventing violence, recognising them as experts and legitimate change makers in the sector.