Youth Speak Out: Social Media, 'Third Spaces', and the Future of Mentoring
At Raise, we believe in the power of youth voices. The Raise Youth Advisory Collective (YAC) is made up of a diverse group of passionate young people (18-25yrs) across Australia who share their perspective to make a difference to the work we do at Raise.
Through ongoing consultation, our YAC ensures we incorporate the youth voice and reflect the needs of young people across all our decision making.
Our recent Youth Advisory Collective (YAC) meeting brought to light crucial insights on the challenges facing young people today and potential solutions. As we navigate the complex landscape of youth development, these perspectives from our YAC members offer valuable guidance for our work and for society at large.
The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media
Social media has become an integral part of young people's lives, but our YAC members highlighted both its benefits and drawbacks. As one member pointed out, "Connection online is wonderful, but they are missing the face-to-face." This sentiment encapsulates the complex relationship young people have with digital platforms.
Our YAC noted several concerns:
- The impact of social media on brain development and attention spans
- The rise of parasocial relationships with influencers
- Potential developmental delays in children who start using social media at a young age
- Predatory behaviour on apps
However, they also recognised that for many young people, especially in areas with fewer options for social interaction, social media provides a crucial connection point. The challenge lies in finding a balance that maximises benefits while minimising risks.
At Raise, we understand the importance of addressing these complex issues in our mentoring programs. Moving forward, we're emphasising the role of mentors as neutral, non-judgmental figures who can engage in open-minded conversations about the role of screens and social media in young people's lives. These discussions can help mentees critically examine their digital habits, understand potential risks, and develop healthier relationships with technology.
By providing a safe space for these conversations, our mentors can help young people navigate the digital landscape more effectively, balancing online connections with real-world interactions and personal development. This approach aligns with our goal of supporting young people's overall wellbeing in an increasingly digital world.
Tackling the Social Media Challenge
Our YAC members had thoughtful discussions about potential solutions to the challenges posed by social media. They emphasized that responsibility shouldn't fall solely on users but should be shared by platforms and governments.
Key suggestions included:
- Government-mandated restrictions within apps
- Flags for content to encourage breaks and mindful usage
- Regulation of content algorithms to ensure safety
- A multifaceted approach including education in schools
- Age restrictions for very young children
The YAC stressed the importance of a comprehensive approach, noting that previous single-pronged efforts have been ineffective. They also highlighted the need for alternative activities and community engagements, especially for younger users.
In response to these insights, Raise continues to offer our mentoring programs as spaces of genuine connection, both online and face-to-face. These programs provide young people with meaningful alternatives to social media, fostering real-world relationships and personal growth in safe, supportive environments.
The Disappearing 'Third Space'
A significant concern raised by our YAC was the erosion of what they termed "third spaces" - places outside of home and work where young people can connect, relax, and belong without financial pressure. As these spaces disappear, many youth turn to social media as a substitute.
One YAC member provided an excellent example of a positive third space: "A good example of a 3rd space is a game store that offers a space for YP to play games and board games for free." This highlights the need for community-driven solutions that provide safe, accessible spaces for young people to gather and interact face-to-face.
Importantly, Raise's Youth Mentoring program directly addresses this need by offering mentees a weekly 'third space'. During these sessions, young people can connect with peers and mentors over morning tea, creating a safe and supportive environment for face-to-face interactions and relationship building. This aspect of our program not only provides the crucial 'third space' our YAC identified as important, but also fosters real-world connections that can counterbalance the increasing reliance on digital interactions.
The Promise of Online Mentoring
In response to questions about our online mentoring, our YAC members were enthusiastic about its potential. They saw it as a valuable resource, particularly for young people in regional areas or those who struggle with traditional help-seeking methods.
Benefits highlighted by the YAC included:
- Accessibility for school refusers
- Lack of stigma compared to other forms of support
- Alignment with young people's self-help seeking behaviours
- Privacy and comfort for those who prefer not to leave their rooms
In 2024, we’ve run 7 online programs with 76 mentors and 76 mentees, demonstrating the growing impact of digital support. Looking ahead, we're exploring ways to expand our online offerings, including the development of Raise Digital, a platform for one-on-one online mentoring.
We remain committed to leveraging technology to meet the changing needs of young people and increase access to mentoring support.
The insights provided by our Youth Advisory Collective are invaluable in shaping our understanding of the challenges facing young people today. From the complexities of social media usage to the need for safe "third spaces" and accessible mentoring, these perspectives will guide our efforts at Raise.
As we move forward, we remain committed to incorporating youth voices in all our initiatives. By listening to young people and acting on their insights, we can create more effective support systems and contribute to a society where every young person feels heard, valued, and supported.
