A new report reveals that young Australians are turning to social media platforms to fill the gaps in their sexual and reproductive health education. From finding validation for their personal experiences to accessing essential health services, these digital spaces have become a lifeline for this demographic. The report highlights the crucial role social media plays in supporting the sexual and reproductive health of young adults, particularly those who identify as LGBTQIA+ or are experiencing chronic conditions.
Bridging the Education Gap
Social media has emerged as a significant source of information and support for young Australians when it comes to their sexual and reproductive health. The report found that these digital platforms are filling the gaps left by traditional school-based sex education, which often fails to cover the full range of ‘adult’ topics that young people need to navigate.
According to Professor Kath Albury, the leader of the ARC Future Fellowship project ‘Digital and data capabilities for sexual health policy and practice,’ social media provides much-needed validation and peer support, particularly for young people experiencing chronic conditions or identifying as LGBTQIA+. ‘These spaces are often dismissed as ‘misinformation,’ but our participants valued them as sites of validation for lived experiences of sexual, reproductive and gender health,’ she explains.
TikTok: A Surprising Source of Support
Surprisingly, the report also highlights the role of TikTok in providing validation and support for young Australians seeking information on their sexual and reproductive health. The platform has become a valuable resource for those experiencing symptoms of conditions like endometriosis, as well as those seeking gender-affirming healthcare.
Professor Albury notes that while young people are aware that information available online can be inaccurate or exaggerated, they still value these digital spaces as a way to have their health concerns taken seriously by healthcare providers. ‘This population group are aware that information available online can be inaccurate or catastrophized. But they want health providers to take their health concerns seriously during consultations—even when they mention TikTok,’ she says.
Transforming Digital Health Services
The report emphasizes that the digital transformation of youth sexual and reproductive health is an ongoing process that requires better training and resourcing for the emerging health workforce. Professor Albury explains that simply hiring young staff does not automatically solve the issue, as ‘digital natives’ may not be automatic digital experts.
The project’s recommendations and resources aim to support the development of digital and data capabilities within the sexual and reproductive health sectors, paving the way for productive dialogues between policymakers, funders, the health workforce, and health consumers. ‘The sector is beginning to recognize the different ways that digital and data skills, infrastructure and governance can support sexual and reproductive health. But better training and resourcing is still needed for the emerging health workforce,’ Professor Albury concludes.
