13 Mar Teens Bypassing Online Safety: What Parents Need to Know
Concerningly, nearly a quarter of Australian teens admit they frequently find ways to get around blocks that stop them from accessing certain sites or content.
Young Australians Skirt Online Restrictions, Sharing Sensitive Data
A new UNICEF Australia survey reveals that while most young people understand online risks, many—especially younger teens—are still engaging in risky digital behaviours. The survey, conducted by YouGov with over 2,000 Australian teens aged 13-17, highlights major concerns around privacy, social media, and misinformation.
One alarming finding is that nearly 25% of teens admit to bypassing online safety blocks to access restricted content. Many also provide false information to create accounts: 36% have lied about their age, 15% have borrowed credentials, and 11% use VPNs to hide their location. These behaviours underscore the need for stronger digital safety measures beyond simple access restrictions.
Privacy Concerns and Risky Data-Sharing Habits
Despite concerns about data privacy, many teens willingly share personal details online. Over half (55%) provide information such as phone numbers or selfies when signing up for social media accounts. Alarmingly, 11% are willing to share their school’s name, and 9% would disclose their home address—figures that are even higher among younger teens.
While 86% of young Australians take some steps to protect their online privacy, 1 in 7 do not. Most (72%) express discomfort with apps and websites collecting their personal data, and 71% dislike friends sharing content about them without consent. Yet, despite these concerns, many still hand over sensitive information, highlighting a contradiction that calls for both stronger privacy protections and better education on digital safety.
Misinformation and the Need for Digital Literacy
Misinformation remains a significant issue among young Australians. Less than half (43%) believe verifying information before sharing is important, and 15% admit they have shared false content unknowingly. Even more concerning, 7% knowingly spread misinformation.
To combat these risks, UNICEF Australia is calling for urgent action in three key areas:
- Stronger online safety laws requiring tech companies to prioritize child safety.
- Improved privacy protections, including a Children’s Online Privacy Code.
- Youth involvement in policy-making, ensuring young voices shape the future of digital safety.
A Call for Safer Digital Spaces
Katie Maskiell, Head of Policy and Advocacy at UNICEF Australia, stresses the need for better-designed online platforms: “Young people are concerned about how their data is used, yet they continue to share sensitive information. We need stronger laws and more education to keep kids safe online.”
Young advocates also emphasize the need for protection. Ashwini, a 16-year-old UNICEF Young Ambassador, states: “We understand how to navigate the online world, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have protections in place.”
UNICEF Australia urges parents, tech companies, and policymakers to work together to ensure safer, more inclusive digital environments for young Australians.
