STILL HUMAN: Sparking Connection and Wellbeing in an Evolving Online World
| Tuesday, March 17, 2026 |
| 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM |
Overview
Lucy Thomas OAM, Project Rockit
Presenter
Lucy Thomas OAM
CEO
PROJECT ROCKIT
STILL HUMAN: Sparking Connection and Wellbeing in an Evolving Online World
Presentation Overview
In 2025, young people are growing up in a world that’s rapidly redefining what it means to connect, belong, and be well. Between emerging technologies, the evergreen themes of adolescence, and evolving policies around social media, our society is grappling (sometimes clumsily) with how to keep young people safe online. But beneath the headlines and bans are real human stories: young people creating, learning, supporting each other, and navigating challenges like no generation has faced before.
In this keynote, Lucy Thomas OAM, cofounder and CEO of PROJECT ROCKIT, unpacks the complex intersection of online safety, digital participation, and wellbeing among young people. Drawing on two decades of youth-led education and global advocacy, Lucy offers a deeply human perspective on what it means to grow up, and grow strong, in an era where online and offline are deeply intertwined.
Lucy invites us to move past fear-based narratives toward approaches that prioritise agency, empathy, and digital literacy. As policies and platforms continue to evolve, this keynote explores: how can we build futures where (digital) connection and wellbeing grow hand in hand?
Three Key Learnings:
1. Understanding young people’s online realities: Drawing on insights from the PROJECT ROCKIT National Youth Collective, explore how young people experience digital life, and the emerging challenges and opportunities shaping their lives.
2. Moving from protection to participation: Discover the key capabilities young people need to seize technology not only safely, but as a tool for connection, creativity, and thriving.
3. Putting it into practice: Learn youth-backed actions for educators, parents, and allies to better support young people online.
In this keynote, Lucy Thomas OAM, cofounder and CEO of PROJECT ROCKIT, unpacks the complex intersection of online safety, digital participation, and wellbeing among young people. Drawing on two decades of youth-led education and global advocacy, Lucy offers a deeply human perspective on what it means to grow up, and grow strong, in an era where online and offline are deeply intertwined.
Lucy invites us to move past fear-based narratives toward approaches that prioritise agency, empathy, and digital literacy. As policies and platforms continue to evolve, this keynote explores: how can we build futures where (digital) connection and wellbeing grow hand in hand?
Three Key Learnings:
1. Understanding young people’s online realities: Drawing on insights from the PROJECT ROCKIT National Youth Collective, explore how young people experience digital life, and the emerging challenges and opportunities shaping their lives.
2. Moving from protection to participation: Discover the key capabilities young people need to seize technology not only safely, but as a tool for connection, creativity, and thriving.
3. Putting it into practice: Learn youth-backed actions for educators, parents, and allies to better support young people online.
Biography
Growing up, Lucy Thomas OAM (and sister Rosie) saw the toll bullying took on their peers and wanted to rewrite the story. Shortly after finishing school, they launched PROJECT ROCKIT. What began as a grassroots anti-bullying project has grown into a nationwide movement, engaging over 750,000 young Australians and creating career-starting employment for 150+ young people.
Passionate about amplifying lived experience Lucy is now a globally recognised pioneer in youth-driven digital innovation, advocacy, and education, serving on global safety advisory boards for Meta, Snapchat, Spotify, and more. Working at the intersection of young people, industry and government, Lucy is dedicated to championing inclusive communities, meaningful action, and the wellbeing of young people online and beyond.
