Daniel is a 2025 NSW Australian of the Year nominee<\/a>, recognised for his relentless dedication to strengthening the next generation to aspire to healthy relationships amid the complexities of the digital world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you told the younger version of me that I\u2019d be doing this, I certainly wouldn\u2019t have believed you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019ve always been interested in social justice, but it\u2019s only through my lived experiences that I\u2019ve come to realise I need to make sure that I\u2019m living in alignment with my values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I believe that my work is not so much about telling people what to do but is an invitation for them to reflect on the messages they are receiving from the outside world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019m always looking at whether young people are being equipped with the right social and emotional tools to thrive in the fast-paced and noisy world they are navigating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For me, I didn\u2019t see any positive relationships modelled until my early 20s, so I\u2019ve had a bit to unlearn and learn on this journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019ve personally seen the carnage that can unfold in a person\u2019s life and the world around them when we\u2019re not healthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The reality is that it causes untold heartache, loss of life, and destruction of families and communities when we don\u2019t surround ourselves with love, care, empathy, and connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s something that runs through every person\u2019s life; we all see it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I saw it in high school, through the callousness that boys are sometimes routinely encouraged to adopt to survive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s not their fault \u2013 rather, our culture can push this onto them, and we are often tempted to betray our better nature for the sake of acceptance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, I sympathise with that, and I don\u2019t judge people for it. Rather, I want to get to the heart of the real issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I do a lot of yapping! I listen to young people and engage with their educators, parents, and communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019m always seeking to move beyond my own biases and explore how our identities are shaped – from what\u2019s role-modelled at home to the heroes we are upholding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I try to tune into the socio-cultural messages that shape the world around us – the way we talk, dress, act, and even the food we eat are all culturally constrained, and that\u2019s not necessarily a bad thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As human creatures, we are all naturally wired for connection, so it only makes sense that we would engage in certain activities to be accepted by others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, we should always question what we are observing and learning, and whether it\u2019s impacting our ability to connect and relate well to others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Boys are being socialised through social media and pre-existing masculine culture to perform a calloused, cruel vision of masculinity that says you should be tough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The toughness being celebrated is not grit <\/em>or finding resolve; it\u2019s not about bouncing back from rejection or disappointment. It can be cruel and indifferent to suffering, and that\u2019s an absolute travesty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the most significant challenges is educating men about intimacy and consent, as this generation has far greater access to harmful and more extreme versions of sexual content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n My biggest concern is that they are constantly being bombarded with conflicting views of success and relationships, which can lead them to become easily discouraged because they are not going to be an overnight success story or have an idealised body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t get me wrong, the phone is a great tool and has helped me in many ways with my work and advocacy, allowing me to meet incredible humans and collaborate. But if I don’t relate to it as a tool, that\u2019s when it robs me of my well-being, focus, creativity, and real connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t let social media algorithms run your life and shape your values; take back your power and agency.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Be selective about your online space. Don\u2019t be afraid to unfollow accounts that undermine your wellbeing and make you feel more anxious or insecure \u2013 it could be the biggest gift you give yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t make life harder than it needs to be \u2013 go and find things that you enjoy.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Learn new skills and do things that make you come alive offline, go and chase that!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Choose your friends wisely and make it easy for one another.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Always think, are you making it easier for your friends to be the best version of themselves, or do people have to wear a mask or be on guard around you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the end of the day, young people are starving for connection. As adults, we need to make ourselves available. They will be more open to our advice and company once they know that we care about them. I think we owe it to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learn more about Daniel\u2019s work <\/em>here<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Discover more of our incredible graduates making an impact <\/em>here<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nDid you always envision yourself speaking to more than 70,000 students across Australia?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What led you to pursue a career in youth advocacy?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Can you share a bit about what you do?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What are some of the biggest problems youth are facing today?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This International Youth Day, what advice would you share with young people?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n