WITH the ban on under-16s using social media, the Government has recognised a need to fill the void and help youth connect in real life (IRL) and invested more than $2million in grassroots programs across NSW to help children and youth build healthy relationships offline.
The Connect IRL program is the direct result of feedback from young people who, at a world-first social media summit, asked for more government support to find a sense of community and belonging.
The program aims to help create a generation of young people who feel connected, supported and part of their community by bringing friendship, belonging and connection back into physical spaces.
“We’ve seen the research. We know that high social media usage is linked with loneliness and distress in young people and every parent knows that our kids are spending more time online,” said the Minister for Youth, Rose Jackson.
“With nationwide social media restrictions now in place, we need to make sure we’re filling that void with meaningful connection, ensuring they have opportunities to connect in-person.
“This program has been designed with young people, for young people. It’s exactly the kind of practical investment that helps young people thrive and I can’t wait to see these projects in action.”
The program can be accessed through a range of outlets, such as sports training, creative workshops and structured mentoring, to appeal to a broad mix of young people.
The Connect IRL Grants Program is administered by the Premier’s Department, co-funded by the recently created NSW Office for Youth.
Through the program, 11 not-for-profit organisations will deliver community lead projects from Sydney to Boggabilla, creating more opportunities for young people to get off their phones and engage with people in their communities.
“We know that when young people feel safe, valued and connected, they are more likely to thrive and give back to the communities they live in,” said BackTrack CEO Marcus Watson.
“Through this project young people who are engaged with BackTrack will have regular opportunities to connect in device-free spaces that are grounded in real life – from group conversations about things that matter to them, to boots-on-the-ground activities on Country.
“This connection is the foundation from which young people can build confidence, independence and a sense of real belonging.”
By Eve NESMITH
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