Growing role of AI in youth services could put young people at risk

• Swinburne University of Technology and the Youth Affairs Council Victoria have identified key risks to young people and how to address them
• The research team worked with young people to develop a toolkit, which includes an AI Use Matrix, AI Decision Making Checklist and Transparency, Disclosure and Consent Guide
• These resources establish a sensible baseline for AI usage, helping to ensure workers don't risk their relationships or put vulnerable people at further risk

With AI use growing across the youth services sector, new research by Swinburne University of Technology and Youth Affairs Council Victoria (YACVic) has for the first time identified key risks to young people and how to address them.

The research team, co-led by Swinburne's Dr Joel McGregor, worked with young people to develop a toolkit, which includes an AI Use Matrix, AI Decision Making Checklist and Transparency, Disclosure and Consent Guide.

Dr McGregor says the toolkit helps establish a sensible baseline for AI usage, helping to ensure workers don't risk their relationships or put vulnerable people at further risk.

"Trust is fundamental to youth work. Without honest conversations, we can't make the right decisions to protect them and ensure they have a positive future," he says.

"AI can create ethical risks or undermine trust. With clear guidelines in place, AI offers the opportunity for workers to focus on essential relationship building, while ensuring we don't inadvertently perpetuate harm through AI use.

"We've seen examples across Victoria where organisations have struggled to navigate AI responsibly. Ultimately, this is about ensuring that technology supports better outcomes for young people, not simply greater efficiency."

Dr McGregor says new risks are emerging from AI as it is used to replace admin tasks such as note taking and program ideation.

"While many of these applications might seem low risk, even administrative tasks can shape how information about a young person is recorded, interpreted and acted upon," he says.

"For example, case documents may focus on a young person's challenges but place less emphasis on their strengths, support networks, or progress they've made. The next professional who reads that summary forms their first impression based on what has been included.

"While the AI may not have made any decisions, it has influenced how the young person's situation is understood, which can shape the conversations, priorities and decisions that follow."

This recording captures the launch of the Responsible AI Toolkit for the Youth Sector, held 17 August 2026 at Swinburne.

22-year-old Prathiksha Ashok Raj Kumar is a Youth Peer Facilitator at YACVic and worked with all of the youth participants to ensure their voices were adequately represented.

"AI is developing so quickly, yet the voices of young people are often missing from conversations about how it's used," she says.

"Facilitating these workshops reminded me that young people aren't always afraid of new technology, they simply want it to be used ethically, transparently and in ways that respect their autonomy."

YACVic Participation and Development Manager Sam Champion says that many youth organisations are trying to work out what AI means for their services, programs and engagement with young people.

"Throughout this project, one thing has been clear: young people's rights need to come first," he says.

"This toolkit gives organisations practical guidance to use AI in ways that are safe, transparent and genuinely centred on young people.

"We're excited to have worked with Swinburne to create a resource that helps the sector navigate new opportunities while making sure young people's voices, privacy and wellbeing are prioritised."