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Embedding Youth Voice: NYSO’s Impact on NAPCAN and Beyond

In 2023, VFFF approved a grant under the Contributing to Society focus area to support National Association for Prevention of Child abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN), in embedding youth voice through the NAPCAN Youth Speak Out (NYSO) initiative.

Since then, NYSO – a diverse team of 18 young people aged 13–25 from across Australia – has played an active role in shaping NAPCAN’s work and influencing decisions that impact young people. They have advised on key projects, submitted policy ideas to government, and collaborated with communities and organisations to create a better future for their peers and generations to come.

Over the past year, NYSO conceptualised and launched the Fair Youth Coverage Campaign, responding to shared concerns about how children and young people are portrayed in the media.

The campaign aims to:

Members of the NYSO with the Governor-General, Her Excellency Ms Sam Mostyn AC.

Share 100 positive stories of young people from across Australia.
Promote ethical reporting practices through NAPCAN’s National Media Guidelines.
Encourage universities to embed ethical reporting on children and young people into their journalism degrees.

Beyond this campaign, NYSO has been pivotal in embedding youth voice within NAPCAN and partnering with stakeholders on research, programs, webinars, and publications. Their efforts ensure that the diverse voices of children and young people are meaningfully included in decisions and work that affect them.