Cyber security threats have topped the list of social media-related concerns among NSW community members, according to a new survey commissioned by the NSW Government ahead of its inaugural two-day Social Media Summit.

Conducted on the government’s ‘Have Your Say’ platform between 11 August and 15 September and receiving over 21,000 respondents, the survey found that NSW community members aged 16 years and above were most concerned about social media users’ susceptibility to scam attempts (80 per cent) and privacy and data security risks (76 per cent).

However when considering the cohort of parents/carers reporting on their children aged five to 17’s social media use, the figures dropped to 75 per cent for concerns over scam attempts and 71 per cent for privacy and data risks.

Similarly, cyber security threats were not in the top three concerns of 16 to 24-year-olds; they were more worried about how social media affects their own behaviour, with excessive screen time (74 per cent), distractions from daily responsibilities (72 per cent) and becoming addicted (68 per cent) rounding out the top.

“The community has spoken, and the message is clear. Parents are concerned about how social media is impacting the lives of young people,” Premier of NSW, Chris Minns, said.

“The huge response to this survey sends a powerful message about the extent of community concern. Parents and children are rightly concerned about this giant global unregulated experiment on young people.

“The feedback we’ve received will guide discussions at the Social Media Summit and help the government as we respond to the harmful aspects of social media.”

The Social Media Summit is jointly hosted by the South Australian Government, with the NSW Government’s sessions first held in Sydney and the other round of sessions held in Adelaide.

Mike Burgess AM, Director-General of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), was also announced as the keynote speaker for the sessions in Adelaide.

According to the SA Government, Burgess will describe Australia’s security landscape and provide information on ASIO’s efforts in countering espionage, foreign interference, politically motivated violence and terrorism, as well as the impact of social media on enabling and accelerating cyber threats.

“I’m looking forward to hearing from the range of experts and specialists that will be examining the negative aspects of social media use on young people, at both days of our upcoming summit,” Premier of South Australia, Peter Malinauskas, said.

“We are very proud to have led the way on banning social media for children, an approach which is now being adopted across the nation.

“But this can’t just be up to governments. We need to make sure our parents, teachers and children are armed with the best possible advice and understanding to address these emerging challenges.”