Young Australians are increasingly seeking information about contraception through social media platforms, particularly TikTok. However, experts are sounding the alarm that a national education campaign is essential to address the prevalence of misinformation. A study conducted by La Trobe University revealed that much of the content on TikTok regarding contraception is unreliable and often misleading.
The research analyzed 100 TikTok videos from the five most popular hashtags related to contraception, which collectively garnered an astonishing 4.85 billion views. Alarmingly, only 10 percent of these videos were produced by health professionals. Researchers noted a significant distrust of healthcare professionals among content creators, contributing to the spread of misinformation.
Daile Kelleher, chief executive of Sexual and Reproductive Health Australia (SRHA), emphasized the risks associated with prioritizing “natural” contraceptive methods, such as cycle tracking and fertility awareness, over hormonal options. She stated, “Natural contraception methods rely on a variety of factors being in place, and there is not a lot of room for error… the room for error is an unintended pregnancy.”
While social media can be a valuable tool for sharing personal experiences and reducing stigma, Kelleher advised that individuals should always consult healthcare providers for reliable information. “It’s important to empower people to know there are a variety of options available to them,” she added.
Many young people rely on social media for contraception advice, with one in five young women turning to these platforms for guidance. SRHA advocates for a comprehensive national campaign to counter misinformation, address knowledge gaps, and support informed choices.
In response to the pervasive misinformation on TikTok, Sexual Health Victoria (SHV) has created its own TikTok account to debunk myths and provide accurate information. Sam Read, SHV’s head of education, noted that these videos often receive significant attention, especially on sensitive topics where accurate messaging is crucial.
Read highlighted the necessity of education that empowers young people to ask informed questions about what they see online. “There’s a huge opportunity for education that includes upskilling parents, health professionals, and teachers,” she said. This approach aims to create an environment where young people feel comfortable discussing their sexual health without fear of judgment.
Despite a high prevalence of contraceptive use, approximately one-third of Australian women have experienced an unplanned pregnancy, costing the nation around $7.2 billion annually. The uptake of long-acting reversible contraception methods remains low in Australia, at only 12 percent, in stark contrast to countries like France and Canada, where rates are closer to 40 percent.
In February 2023, the federal government introduced a $573 million women’s health package aimed at increasing access to IUDs and birth control implants, as well as adding new oral contraceptive pills to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). However, Kelleher pointed out that if individuals are unaware of or lack confidence in these methods, they are unlikely to choose them.
“Any public awareness campaign should target both patients and healthcare professionals to ensure accurate information is disseminated,” Kelleher stressed. “It is vital for the destigmatization of sexual and reproductive health.”
As Australia continues its commitment to improving women’s health, the involvement of individuals who need access to this healthcare is crucial to avoid missing opportunities for effective communication and education. A national campaign could play a pivotal role in guiding young people toward informed, responsible choices regarding their reproductive health.
