Supporting young people in the digital world

Matt Romania speaks with Sarah Davies AM, CEO at the Alannah and Madeline Foundation, about the role of innovation in achieving their mission. 

On 28 April 1996, Alannah and Madeline Mikac, aged six and three, were tragically killed alongside their mother and 32 others at Port Arthur in Tasmania, Australia.

One year later, the Alannah & Madeline Foundation was launched in the girls’ honour by their father Walter Mikac AM and volunteers, driven by the belief that all children and young people should be able to live a happy and safe life, free from violence and trauma.

The foundation is building on the last two-and-a-half decades, looking to the future to ensure their work continues to be relevant, innovative, evidence-based and effective.

Just one example of their mission-driven innovation is Digital Licence+ which is an accessible program developed through student workshops to understand the challenges and lived experiences of young people facing the often challenging digital world.

“We want children and young people exposed to violence and trauma to have access to responsive, effective recovery services,” Sarah Davies AM says.

The platform is an interactive learning experience that builds digital intelligence in students aged 10 to 14 years, giving them knowledge and skills to harness opportunities, as well as empowering them to deal with the challenges of today’s world, including digital violence and trauma.

“We are proud to have worked with the DQ Institute, to align Digital Licence+ with the DQ global standard to deliver engaging, high-quality, evidence-based learning experiences to children and young people,” said Davies.

In 2022 the skill acquisition rate was almost 60 per cent, almost 10 per cent more students than originally hoped, in a clear sign of continued need for this innovative program to support young people and their online presence.

In this ever changing world and ongoing online safety fears when it comes to young people, the hardest and most important innovation a not for profit can make is understanding the world and experiences of the people they want to help. Davies says anticipating the needs of young people, online and offline, is a constant priority.

“We need to see around corners; and more than ever, we need allies and partners to collaborate: universities, global technology firms, governments, youth and community organisations, funders, subject matter experts, and friends,” she says.

The foundation wants every Australian school student to have access to its comprehensive suite of Australian curriculum-aligned learning programs, including Digital Licence +, so they are empowered with the skills to use technology effectively and safely, today and in the future.

“We will support schools and school communities to deliver meaningful, engaging digital intelligence curriculum to all students. This, in conjunction with the innovation and enhancement of our suite of programs to boost digital literacy we will empower young people to be safe online,” Davies says.