National partnership to explore youth news literacy
Western Sydney University has partnered with ABC Education, the education division of Australia’s national broadcaster, to launch a national survey focused on the news literacy of young Australians. The initiative aims to better understand how students engage with news and information in an increasingly complex digital landscape.
Survey to inform future education strategies
The national survey will gather data from students across Australia, examining their ability to critically evaluate news sources, identify misinformation, and understand the role of media in society. Findings from the survey will inform the development of targeted educational resources and strategies to strengthen news literacy skills among young people.
Addressing the challenges of the digital age
With young Australians consuming news across multiple platforms, including social media, the partnership recognises the urgent need to equip students with the skills to navigate, analyse, and verify information. The project will also highlight best practices for teachers and parents to support news literacy education at home and in the classroom.
Building resilience against misinformation
By promoting critical thinking and media literacy, Western Sydney University and ABC Education hope to empower the next generation to become informed, discerning news consumers. The survey’s outcomes are expected to guide future curriculum development and policy decisions to address the challenges posed by misinformation and digital disinformation.
Sector-wide collaboration for a more informed society
This partnership underscores the importance of cross-sector collaboration in preparing young Australians for the demands of a rapidly changing media environment. As digital news consumption continues to rise, news literacy is increasingly seen as a vital skill for active citizenship and lifelong learning.
