URGENT UPDATE: Experts are calling for an immediate national campaign to educate young Australians on contraception amid rising misinformation on social media platforms, particularly TikTok. A new study by La Trobe University reveals that while TikTok has garnered 4.85 billion views on content related to contraceptive methods, only 10 percent of this information comes from qualified health professionals.
Young people, with 1 in 5 relying on social media for contraceptive advice, face serious risks from misleading content. The study highlights a disturbing trend favoring “natural” contraceptive methods—like cycle tracking—over hormonal options, without adequate discussion of pregnancy risks.
Daile Kelleher, chief executive of Sexual and Reproductive Health Australia (SRHA), stresses the need for accurate information, stating, “Natural contraception methods are not as reliable as hormonal options. The room for error is an unintended pregnancy.”
The urgency of this campaign is underscored by the fact that despite high contraceptive use, a staggering one-third of Australian women have experienced unplanned pregnancies, costing the nation $7.2 billion annually.
Officials are advocating for educational initiatives to counter misinformation and to empower youth with knowledge about their options. Sam Read, head of education at Sexual Health Victoria, emphasizes the need for accessible, factual information: “There’s a huge opportunity for education… to answer questions in a non-judgmental way.”
The federal government has already initiated a $573 million women’s health package aimed at increasing access to IUDs and birth control implants. However, Kelleher warns that if people lack confidence in these methods, they may not utilize them. “Any public awareness campaign should target both patients and health professionals,” she added, stressing the need for a comprehensive approach to sexual health education.
The call for a national awareness campaign comes as social media continues to be a dominant source of health information for young people. With the algorithm often amplifying negative experiences, the potential for misunderstanding and mistrust in professional health advice grows.
As these developments unfold, experts urge the public to engage with healthcare providers about contraceptive options they encounter online. The need for informed decisions is critical, especially as misinformation can lead to serious health consequences.
Stay tuned for more updates on this crucial public health issue and how the government plans to address these widespread misconceptions.
