For teens & young people

You didn’t vote for this. But suddenly, parts of your social life have vanished or moved. This page focuses on staying connected safely, dealing with FOMO, and finding support – especially if home or school doesn’t feel like a safe place to talk.

Clicking any tile or headline opens a DuckDuckGo News search in a new tab. Not every article will match your experience – use your judgement and talk with people you trust.

Staying in touch, within the rules

“Everyone else is still online” ↗ How others describe losing streaks, group chats and fandom spaces.

What’s still allowed ↗ Messaging, gaming, school platforms and where you can still talk to friends.

Online friendships vs “IRL” ↗ Stories from teens whose closest friends live in another suburb, state or country.

Identity, sexuality & feeling safe

LGBTQIA+ & questioning ↗ When queer community, language and support mostly existed online.

Closeted at home ↗ What happens when private online conversations vanish but real life doesn’t feel safe.

Sex ed & health info ↗ Finding decent information about sex, consent, contraception and STIs.

If things are really not okay

Helplines & online support ↗ Where to find crisis lines, chat services and youth mental health support in Australia.

If home feels unsafe ↗ When social media was a lifeline for spotting abuse, coercive control or violence.

Support groups shrinking ↗ Grief, illness, disability and identity spaces that were once only a tap away.