New report: News and Young Australians in 2026

A new report, News and Young Australians in 2026, has been released — the fourth in a longitudinal study running since 2017, produced through a collaboration between researchers at Western Sydney University, Queensland University of Technology and the University of Canberra, all three of which are AMLA member organisations. The report surveyed more than 1,000 young Australians aged 10–17.

Some of the key findings include:

• Active news engagement has declined when compared with 2023.
• Family remains the primary source of news for young people.
• Young people want news made for them.
• Generative AI is now a commonly used news source.
• Social media is commonly used, but most are not confident they can spot misinformation.
• News literacy education is related to greater digital media knowledge.
• News engagement is strongly associated with civic participation.

Researchers say the findings point to an urgent need for news media literacy education that helps young people move from “how it works” to “how to act.”

The 2026 survey was funded by ABC Education and Western Sydney University. Read the full report here: News and Young Australians in 2026