This chapter highlights the gap between policy makers’ perspectives and young people’s actual concerns about online harms. Based on a survey of over 16,000 young people, the chapter reveals that youths primarily worry about peer conflict, social media pressures, and distressing current events, rather than the extreme content that often dominates policy discussions. The findings suggest that while policy makers advocate for restrictive measures against platforms, young people place more value on knowledgeable, supportive adults who understand the digital issues they face. The chapter also discusses the erosion of trust in adults, especially educators, who are often perceived as poorly informed, leading many young people to rely on peers for support. These insights underscore the need for a youth-centred approach in online safety, emphasizing effective education, empathetic adult involvement, and support that aligns more closely with young people’s lived experiences.

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The Silent Youth Voice

  • Andy Phippen

摘要

This chapter highlights the gap between policy makers’ perspectives and young people’s actual concerns about online harms. Based on a survey of over 16,000 young people, the chapter reveals that youths primarily worry about peer conflict, social media pressures, and distressing current events, rather than the extreme content that often dominates policy discussions. The findings suggest that while policy makers advocate for restrictive measures against platforms, young people place more value on knowledgeable, supportive adults who understand the digital issues they face. The chapter also discusses the erosion of trust in adults, especially educators, who are often perceived as poorly informed, leading many young people to rely on peers for support. These insights underscore the need for a youth-centred approach in online safety, emphasizing effective education, empathetic adult involvement, and support that aligns more closely with young people’s lived experiences.