Author: Justin Zhu
On 9th August, 2024, Jiayuan Charity leaders had the honour of attending a prestigious event at Parliament House, hosted by the National Council of Women Victoria (NCWV). This important gathering brought together representatives from 12 schools to discuss a critical topic: the impact of social media on children and young adults. The event aimed to encourage youth leadership and provide an opportunity for young people to gain insights from outstanding women leaders.
Our junior leader, Chloe Siah, was part of the Jiayuan Charity team and shared her experience through a powerful video, which you can watch below:
The event kicked off with a warm welcome from NCWV President Elida Brereton, followed by thought-provoking speeches from Meena Singh and Missy Joyce, the Commissioner for Children and Young People. They addressed how social media shapes behaviours, highlighting both its potential to empower young people and the challenges it can present.
Throughout the day, we heard insightful presentations and engaged in meaningful discussions. Jiayuan Charity leaders, including Jolin Sun, Sarah Ma, and our founder Victoria Meng, each delivered impactful speeches.
Jolin Sun warned about the risks of manipulation on social media, explaining how online actions are often analysed to push targeted content, potentially distorting beliefs and compromising personal security.
Sarah Ma focused on how social media can be a powerful tool for academic success, highlighting platforms like YouTube and Instagram as valuable resources for learning and revision.
Victoria Meng compared social media to learning a musical instrument, reminding everyone that the impact of social media, like any tool, depends on how we use it.
The event concluded with an inspiring session, leaving all participants motivated to continue these important conversations. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the National Council of Women Victoria, and especially Guosheng Chen, for inviting us to such an eye-opening and enriching experience.
We look forward to attending more events like this, where young leaders like those from Jiayuan Charity can gain knowledge, share their voices, and take part in shaping a better future.
