Youth Advocates Push for Algorithm Control for Safer Social Media

File photo of the icons of social media apps, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and WhatsApp dated Jan. 3, 2018. Yui Mok/PA Wire

Over 93 percent of young Australians use social media daily, with 73 percent seeking mental health support on these platforms, according to data presented by ReachOut Youth Advocates at a Joint Committee on Social Media and Australian Society.

While advocates acknowledged social media’s benefits, they raised concerns about risks like cyberbullying, misinformation, and addictive algorithms.

Rather than focusing solely on age verification, they urged a multi-faceted strategy for safer digital experiences.

First, the youth advocates proposed integrating digital literacy into education, akin to driver training, to teach safe social media use.

Second, they call for greater user control over algorithms, allowing young Australians to shape their feeds and reduce exposure to harmful content.

Third, they recommend a “safety by design” approach, urging tech companies to embed safety features directly into platforms and bear legal responsibility for user well-being.

Lastly, they advocated for a collaborative effort among stakeholders—government, tech firms, and educators—to co-create policies prioritising safety while allowing young people to benefit from social media’s positive aspects.

Beyond Age Verification: A Call for Privacy and Transparency

While age verification was identified as a technically feasible step, advocates argued it should not be the only measure—nor the priority.

“We don’t think age verification is a simple short-term step because it’s just not where it needs to be,” explained Layla Wang, a youth representative from ReachOut Youth Advocates.

Representatives noted unresolved questions, including who would manage the verification process, whether it would be routed through government, third parties, or social media companies, and what documentation would be required.

Arjun Kapoor from the e-Safety Commissioner’s advisory council raised concerns that unclear plans generate anxiety among young users.

“If age verification upholds privacy, accuracy, and is implemented across all platforms, young people would likely be okay with it. But those are big ifs,” Kapoor said.

Advocates agree that age verification alone is insufficient to address the broader issues of online safety.

Digital Literacy: A Licence for Social Media

Advocates compared social media usage to driving and suggested schools teach digital literacy, cover misinformation, understand privacy settings, and set boundaries with technology.

“One of the main things we need is relevant education, preferably taught by young people with lived experience,” Wang stated.

Public health-style campaigns were also recommended, with content promoting safe social media use in public spaces and digital platforms.

“This kind of foundational digital literacy is a key point every young Australian reported they wanted to see,” Kapoor said.

The proposal recommended that education should extend beyond young people to include parents, equipping them to guide rather than restrict young people online.

Representatives suggested asking questions like, “How can we best support parents in guiding their children online rather than resorting to outright bans? How can we equip parents to effectively support young people in navigating social media?”

Giving Youth Control Over Algorithms

The youth representatives also recommended tools that give young users control over the content they see.

“Young people should have a say in what content they’re shown,” Kapoor noted, explaining that the constant flow of algorithmically-driven content can lead users to distressing or unhealthy content.

Kapoor argued that such customisation would encourage a more user-driven social media environment, where young people have agency over their digital space.

Credible Mental Health Support on Social Media

While advocates recognised social media’s role in mental health support for young Australians, concerns were raised about the risks of misinformation and unverified advice that can exacerbate mental health issues.

They recommended implementing verification processes to ensure reliable information, especially for vulnerable youth.

“Guidance from mental health experts, such as ReachOut, could be pivotal,” Wang suggested.

Additionally, they emphasised the need to increase digital literacy to teach young users to identify credible sources and avoid harmful content.

Holding Tech Companies Accountable: A Safety-First Approach

Raghu Vijiyan, also from the e-Safety council, advocated for a “safety by design” model, calling on tech companies to embed safety features directly into their platforms.

“Big tech must be held accountable for the negative impacts of their platforms,” he stated.

The advocates said tech companies should embed safety measures and work with regulators to create enforceable standards, preventing risks before they arise, and lessening the burden on users to navigate potentially harmful content.

“This isn’t about banning social media; it’s about making these spaces safe for all users,” Kapoor emphasised.

Embracing a Collaborative Approach 

The youth advocates called for a collaborative approach that brings together government, tech companies, educators, and young people themselves.

“Digital literacy should be a coordinated effort from multiple stakeholders,” Kapoor explained.

Vijiyan noted that some platforms, like Meta’s Instagram for teens, already incorporate age-specific safety features, but advocates believe more needs to be done across the board.

The group envisions a landscape where companies, policymakers, and young people co-create policies, resulting in environments where the positive aspects of social media can be enjoyed safely.