Young and Wise Online Privacy Code Workshop

Young and Wise Roundtable

Young and Wise Online Privacy Code Workshop

Your privacy. Your voice. Your say.

Australia is developing new rules to protect children’s privacy online – and we’re inviting young people aged 13–18 to share their perspectives to help inform this process.

ARACY, supported by the Australian Department of Social Services, is hosting an online session to help young people engage with the Australian Government’s consultation on the draft Children’s Online Privacy Code. This is a real opportunity for young Australians to influence laws that directly affect their lives.

WHAT IS THE CHILDREN’S ONLINE PRIVACY CODE?

The Australian Government is developing a Children’s Online Privacy Code — a set of rules that online services will have to follow to keep children’s personal information safe.

The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) has released a draft of the Code and is seeking feedback before it is finalised in December 2026.

ARACY is supporting young people to have their say before the consultation closes.

ABOUT THE SESSION

You will be paid an honorarium payment of $50 (plus an additional $20 if you submit a video review after the workshop) to an Australian bank account for your time.
ARACY will host a 1.5-hour online roundtable and/or workshop for young people aged 13–18 to explore the draft Code together, discuss what online privacy means to them, and prepare feedback to share with the OAIC.
You don’t need to know anything about privacy law to take part. We’ll guide you through everything in a way that’s clear, welcoming, and designed around your experiences.
The session will be facilitated by ARACY’s Young and Wise team, who work alongside young people on issues that matter to them.
Date: April/May, 5:30 pm AEST Monday-Thursday (actual date and time to be confirmed with participants). The session will be online via Microsoft Teams and you must have your video and audio on to participate.

WHO CAN JOIN?

This session is open to young people aged 13–18, living in Australia, and in years 7 – 12 (or homeschooling equivilant). We particularly welcome applications from young people with experience of:

social media or gaming platforms
online safety or digital literacy programs
advocacy, student leadership, or youth councils
lived experience of privacy concerns online

We are committed to inclusive participation. If you have access needs or require support to take part, please let us know in your EOI.

WHAT WILL WE DO?

In this session, you will:

Learn what the draft Children’s Online Privacy Code means in plain language
Share your views on online privacy and what protections matter most to you
Contribute to ARACY’s submission and engagement with the OAIC consultation

Your insights will be treated with respect and confidentiality. ARACY may use anonymised, de-identified feedback in advocacy materials, with your permission.

WHY DOES IT MATTER?

Young people are the most active users of online platforms — and yet too often, decisions about their digital lives are made without them. ARACY believes that young people’s voices must be at the centre of policy that affects them.

The Nest, ARACY’s wellbeing framework, recognises that children and young people thrive when they are safe, connected, and have agency over their own lives. Privacy is part of that.

Prior reading

You can find more information, including the draft Children’s Online Privacy Code, by clicking here

Applications close 13th May 2026

Apply to join

First Name

Last Name

Pronouns (optional)

Date of Birth

What school year are you in? (if you are homeschooled, just say homeschooled)

State or Territory

Anything else you’d like us to know about you — for example, if you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, culturally and linguistically diverse, living in a rural or remote area

What matters most to you about privacy for young people?

I understand if I am under 18 I will require my parents or guardians permission to participate.

yes

Please choose your preferred date

Privacy collection statement
ARACY respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. When you interact with us, we may collect certain details to provide our services, such as your name and contact information. This information will only be used for purposes directly related to our business activities and will not be shared with third parties without your consent, except where required by law. By engaging with us, you consent to the collection and use of your information. Please refer to our privacy policy for more details on how we handle your information.

Your privacy and safety

ARACY is committed to creating safe, respectful, and confidential spaces for everyone involved. Some of the topics discussed may be personal, you only need to share what feels comfortable, and you can pause or stop at any time.

Your wellbeing matters. This project is run by the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY). ARACY will support participants throughout the recruitment process and help with any safeguarding, wellbeing, or follow-up needs that may arise. ARACY also provides a feedback pathway to make sure every participant’s story is treated ethically, respectfully, and in line with their consent.

If anything shared during this EOI process bring up any difficult feelings or concerns, you can reach out to Sarah Lake (sarah.lake@aracy.org.au) or contact a free, confidential support service:

Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800
Headspace – 1800 650 890
13YARN (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people) – 13 92 76
Lifeline – 13 11 14

This project follows ARACY’s Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy (2025) and the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.

FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Are you a young person passionate about making a difference?

Or are you an organisation looking to collaborate to strengthen youth voices?

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