Paris McNeil

I strongly believe that we can’t protect young people from every online risk. We can, however, give them the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions and shape their future.

As a keynote speaker, coach and workshop facilitator, I help young people think critically, communicate effectively and navigate a rapidly changing world.

When Australia announced its under-16 social media restrictions, I saw a world-leading policy that would directly affect millions of young people. The problem was that it was confusing and had been developed without properly consulting those it would affect most. Schools didn’t know how it would work, parents didn’t know what it meant, and students were turning to TikTok for answers.

Rather than wait for someone else, I stepped up to fill that gap. Drawing on my legal background, I translated complex, fast-changing legislation into practical, age-appropriate education. In six months, I delivered 100+ presentations to over 12,000 students, parents and educators, helping them understand the policy and what it would mean for them.

More than anything, this work showed me how important it is for young people to have a voice in decisions that affect them. It also showed that regulation alone can’t prepare young people for every challenge technology will create. We must equip them with the knowledge and critical thinking skills to tackle what comes next, rather than reacting to it.

I work with organisations across Australia to help young people navigate the rapidly changing digital world. My workshops unpack addictive online platforms, misinformation, deepfakes and AI, giving young people the tools to think critically and make informed decisions. I am also a Sessional Academic at Curtin University Law School, teaching the next generation of lawyers.

Ultimately, I want young people to think critically, make informed decisions and feel confident shaping their future.