Youth Social Media Resources

Currently there is a growing number of social media resources and reports being developed about the interaction of young people through the use of technology. It is RYDON's aim to provide the sector with an up-to-date resource listing links to these resources:

Risks and Safety for Australian Children on the Internet

This report presents the AU findings for research in Australia which parallels the EU Kids Online project (see www.eukidsonline.net). The Australian research was funded by the ARC Centre of Excellence for Creative Industries and Innovation in 2010 and involved 400 children and their families. In line with the ‘Country report template’, the structure of this report and some of the background text is consistent with other country reports. The only original contribution made here is the data and analysis relating to Australia.

ReachOut Pro - Types of Technology Page

Reach Out Pro provides access and advice for health care professionals on a range of issues. Their technology page is especially useful for those looking to gain a greater understanding of how young people are choosing to use technology. Articles include the great amount of benefits young people get from using this technology as well as the risks involved. topics range from the use of Social Networking to Massively Multiplayer On-line Games (MMOG)

ACMA: Tagged Video Resource

When a group of High School friends post a rumour about a rival it sparks a chain reaction that leaves no one untouched. Cyberbullying, sexting, filmed fights and police action ensue - will these friends be tagged forever?

Developed by the Australian Communication and Media Authority's Cybersmart program, Tagged is recommended for use with students aged 14 and over. Tagged is supported by lesson plans and compelling character reflection interviews. It explores themes of personal and peer safety and responsibility that are crucial to maintaining positive online behaviours and digital reputation into adulthood.

Teenagers, Legal Risks and Social Networking Sites

This project was established specifically to address an identified gap in the extent research by investigating the legal risks of social networking as experienced by Victorian secondary school students, teachers and parents. The themes raised in it are similar to many that young people all across Australia face.

The Benefits of Social Networking

This reports analyses the benefits that using social networking and other "Web 2.0" technologies can have for young people. This is a useful article to refer to if you are having issues with people who can only see the negative

Intergenerational Attitudes towards Social Networking and Cybersafety: A Living Lab

This research was made possible by the YAW-CRC‟s partner organisations, the in-kind support of researchers from the Inspire Foundation, University of Western Sydney and Murdoch University, and the participation of young people from the ReachOut.com community. The report outlines the disconnect between generations when it comes to understanding the use of technology by young people. It also offers tangible solutions for breaking this misunderstanding down and promotes young people as experts in the field. If you are looking at running social media training for parents this is a must read!

Young People and Technology

A literature review by Adjunct Professor Helen McGrath, on behalf of The Alannah and Madeline Foundation exploring the real uses of technology by young people.

Social Media Policy for NSW Department of Education

This link will provide a guide to how NSW Department of Education engages yougn peopel and staff in the use of social media and other technology. If you work with schools it is an important policy to be aware of and I encourage you to become familiar with it.