Snapchat Empowers Eight Young Australians as Content Creators in its Inaugural Teen Council

Snapchat Empowers Australian Teens with Inaugural Digital Well-Being Council

Sydney, Australia – Snap Inc., the parent company of popular social media platform Snapchat, has announced the formation of its first Australian Council for digital Well-Being.This pioneering group consists of eight Australian teenagers who will play a crucial role in advising the company on creating a more positive adn secure online surroundings for young people.

A Voice for the Next Generation

The Council comprises eight individuals aged between 14 and 16, hailing from diverse regions across Australia.They were selected from a notable pool of applicants following Snap’s declaration of the programme earlier this year. the initiative underscores the growing recognition that teenagers themselves are uniquely positioned to inform strategies for online safety and well-being. Recent research indicates that over 90% of Australians believe teenagers should be involved in conversations surrounding online safety and health.

The members of the inaugural Australian Council for Digital Well-Being are:

• Emma T, Willoughby, New South Wales
• Rhys M, North Manly, New South Wales
• Amelia B, Gippsland, victoria
• Millie N, Melbourne, Victoria
• Charlotte C, Regional Victoria
• Bentley T, Regional Victoria
• Cormac B, Joondalup, Western Australia
• Aadya V, Indooroopilly, Queensland

program Details and Global Alignment

The 18-month program will mirror similar councils established by Snap in the United States and across Europe. Council members will participate in monthly discussions, work on dedicated projects, and collaborate with Snapchat’s global Safety Advisory Board, a collective of online safety specialists. A two-day summit was recently held at Snap’s Sydney headquarters to officially launch the program and welcome the new members.

“I applied to join Snapchat’s Australian Council for Digital well-being as I really want to see more people my age speaking out about this topic,” stated Charlotte C, a member from regional Victoria. “Teens should have an input into what is happening online as these spaces are our support system; we’ve grown up with them, we use them every day to contact our friends, and we need them to feel free. I’m looking forward to being part of this Council so I can support safety and wellbeing initiatives for my Australian peers.”

Snapchat’s Commitment to Teen Safety

With over 8 million monthly active users in Australia, Snapchat is a prominent platform for dialog, especially among young people. The company emphasizes its dedication to safety and well-being, implementing default privacy settings for users aged 13-17 and providing the Family Center toolkit for parental oversight. Common Sense Media offers helpful resources for parents navigating Snapchat and other social media platforms.

Ryan Ferguson, Managing Director for Snap Inc. in Australia and New Zealand, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, stating, “We certainly know teens are the real experts when it comes to the digital world, so we are excited to be launching our first Aussie teen Council for Digital Well-Being. We were thrilled to welcome an amazing group of civic-minded, smart and engaged young Australians… Their ideas, energy and real-life experiences will help shape a better, more positive digital future for everyone.”

Key Program Element	Details
Program Duration	18 months
Council Member Age Range	14-16 years old
Geographic scope	Australia-wide, with members from NSW, VIC, WA, and QLD
Key Activities	Monthly calls, project work, collaboration with global Safety Advisory Board

The Growing Importance of Digital Well-being

The establishment of this council reflects a broader industry trend towards prioritizing digital well-being. increasingly, tech companies are recognizing their obligation to mitigate the potential harms of social media, such as cyberbullying, online harassment, and mental health concerns. This proactive approach involves seeking direct input from the very users most affected by these issues – teenagers.

Did You Know? A 2023 report by Statista shows that over 80% of Australian teenagers use social media daily, highlighting the critical need for safe and positive online experiences.

Pro Tip: Parents and caregivers should engage in open and honest conversations with teenagers about their online activities, promoting responsible digital citizenship and encouraging them to report any harmful experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the main goal of Snapchat’s Digital Well-Being Council? The Council aims to provide Snapchat with insights into the experiences and perspectives of australian teens to enhance online safety and well-being.
• How were the council members selected? Members were selected through an application process, with Snap seeking diverse representation from across Australia.
• What role will the council play in shaping Snapchat’s policies? The Council will advise Snapchat on initiatives and strategies to create a more positive and secure platform for young users.
• Is this program unique to Australia? No, Snap has established similar councils in the United States and across Europe.
• What safety features does Snapchat currently offer to teens? Snapchat offers default privacy settings for users aged 13-17 and the Family Centre toolkit for parental controls.
• How can parents get involved in their teen’s online safety? Parents can utilize the Family Centre tools, engage in open conversations, and stay informed about the platforms their teens are using.
• What kind of projects will the Council be working on? projects will vary,but will focus on researching and developing solutions to challenges faced by young people online.

What are your thoughts on the initiative? Do you think tech companies should prioritize teen input when crafting online safety measures?

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What specific safety features is Snapchat implementing based on feedback from the Teen Council?

Snapchat has announced the launch of its first-ever Teen Council in Australia, selecting eight young content creators to provide direct feedback and shape the future of the platform. This initiative underscores Snapchat’s commitment to user safety, innovation, and fostering a positive online experience for its younger demographic. The program focuses on empowering Gen Z voices and ensuring the platform remains relevant and responsive to their evolving needs.

Who Are the Inaugural Snapchat Teen Council Members?

Snapchat has deliberately kept the identities of the council members private to protect their online safety and wellbeing. This decision reflects a broader industry trend towards prioritizing the privacy of young online creators.However,Snapchat has revealed the council represents a diverse range of interests and backgrounds across Australia,including:

Geographic Diversity: Members hail from various states and territories,ensuring a national viewpoint.

Content Specialization: The group includes creators focused on areas like gaming, art, music, fashion, and social commentary.

Platform Usage: All members are active Snapchat users, bringing firsthand experience to the table.

The Role of the Teen Council: Shaping Snapchat’s Future

The Teen Council’s primary function is to act as a sounding board for Snapchat’s product development and safety teams. Their responsibilities include:

1. Feedback on New Features: Providing early insights on upcoming features and suggesting improvements.
2. Safety Considerations: Identifying potential safety risks and proposing solutions to enhance user protection. This aligns with Snapchat’s ongoing efforts to combat online bullying and harmful content.
3. Trend Spotting: Sharing insights into emerging trends and cultural shifts relevant to Gen Z.
4. Content Guidelines: Contributing to the development of clear and effective content guidelines.
5. Community Insights: Offering perspectives on how to foster a more positive and inclusive community habitat.

Why Snapchat is Investing in Youth Voices

This initiative comes at a crucial time, as social media platforms face increasing scrutiny regarding their impact on young people. Snapchat’s Teen Council demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing thes concerns. Key motivations behind the program include:

Enhanced Safety: Direct input from teens helps Snapchat identify and mitigate potential risks more effectively.

Increased Relevance: Staying attuned to Gen Z’s preferences ensures the platform remains a preferred choice for this demographic.

Responsible Innovation: The council encourages Snapchat to develop features that are not only innovative but also beneficial and safe for young users.

Building Trust: demonstrating a commitment to listening to and valuing the voices of its younger users fosters trust and loyalty.

Snapchat’s Safety Features: A continued focus

Beyond the Teen Council, Snapchat has implemented numerous safety features designed to protect its users, notably teenagers. These include:

Privacy settings: Customizable privacy settings allow users to control who can view their content and contact them.

Reporting Mechanisms: Easy-to-use reporting tools enable users to flag inappropriate content or behavior.

Snap Map Controls: Options to control location sharing and visibility on snap Map.

Parental Control Resources: Resources for parents to understand and manage their children’s Snapchat usage.

Content Moderation: A dedicated team and AI-powered systems work to identify and remove harmful content.

The Impact on Australian Content Creation

The Teen Council initiative is expected to have a positive ripple effect on the Australian content creation landscape. By empowering young Australians, Snapchat is:

Nurturing Talent: Providing a platform for emerging creators to develop their skills and gain valuable experience.

Promoting Diversity: showcasing a wider range of voices and perspectives.

Inspiring Innovation: Encouraging creativity and experimentation with new content formats.

Strengthening the Creator Economy: Contributing to the growth of the digital creator ecosystem in Australia.

The Connection Between Social Media and wellbeing (Insights from Naval’s Almanack)

While Snapchat focuses on safety,it’s vital to consider the broader impact of social media on wellbeing. Insights from Naval’s Almanack (as discussed on Zhihu) highlight potential downsides. The