NoFiltr Youth Innovation Council

The NoFiltr Youth Innovation Council is a unique space where young people address critical digital safety issues through meaningful dialogue and engage directly with tech companies and social media platforms to drive change.

Our Work

NoFiltr’s Youth Innovation Council (YIC) is a diverse group of young leaders (ages 13–17) from across the U.S and U.K., selected for their lived experience, digital fluency, and passion for shaping safer online spaces.

100+

youth empowered as digital safety

leaders and role models since

launching YIC in 2021

200+

youth-led resources

built by YIC teens alongside

tech platforms across five years

120+

actionable recommendations and insights from teens through surveys and workshops with platforms since 2023.

A 10-month program where

peers change the internet, together

We believe that young people have the power to change the world and play a critical role in developing resources to steward digital safety.

Youth Insight

The YIC surfaces lived experiences, emerging trends, and real needs from young people navigating digital platforms today.

Co-Creation

Council members work alongside partners to design, test, and refine digital safety resources, features, and strategies.

Leadership & Impact

The YIC builds youth leadership, working with peers on projects that turn insight into action, influencing real product, policy, and platform decisions.

Youth Lead at the Edge of Technology

Each pod is a collaborative learning and action group centered around a key issue affecting young people online today.

Emerging Tech & AI Pod

Youth explore how new technologies, including AI, are shaping online experiences, risks, and opportunities, and help guide more responsible, youth-informed innovation.

Online Harm Prevention Pod

Youth explore how to protect each other from harmful online experiences including cyberbullying, exploitation, online grooming, and hate speech.

Digital Wellbeing Pod

Youth focus on how digital spaces affect mental health, identity, and balance, helping shape tools and resources that support healthier online experiences.

Gaming & VR Pod

Youth address harassment within gaming environments and virtual and augmented reality spaces to promote digital environments that are both safe and fun.

Meet the Pods

The internet’s biggest challenges look different depending on where you’re standing. Our Youth Innovation Council tackles them from four angles: AI & Emerging Tech, Gaming & VR, Digital Wellbeing, and Online Harms.

Meet the young people behind each pod, hear what matters to them, and see the questions they want platforms to answer.

AI & Emerging Tech

AI is changing what young people see, create, and experience online. Meet the youth asking how we make sure safety evolves with it.

Online Harms

Young people understand online risks from a perspective adults and platforms can’t replicate. Meet the youth bringing those experiences into conversations about prevention, support, and safer design.

Digital Wellbeing

Technology shapes how young people connect, express themselves, and feel about their lives online. Meet the youth pushing platforms to design with wellbeing in mind.

Gaming & VR

Games are where young people play, connect, compete, and build community. Meet the youth imagining how those spaces can become safer and more welcoming.

What Makes NoFiltr's Youth Council Different

Thinking About a Youth Innovation Council? Start Here.

NoFiltr offers focused advisory support to help organizations engage young people safely, ethically, and effectively, especially when the work is complex or high-stakes.

View Our Consulting Models

FAQ

Program

How long is the program?

What are the program expectations?

Youth Innovation Council members are expected to:

Attend scheduled virtual Council meetings.
Participate respectfully and actively in discussions.
Complete activities or assignments between meetings.
Collaborate with peers on research and projects.
Communicate with staff if they are unable to attend a meeting.
Uphold community guidelines and contribute to a positive environment.

We understand that school, family, extracurriculars, and life happen. Consistent participation is important, but we also recognize that members may occasionally need flexibility.

What are the different pods?

AI & Emerging Technology

Explore how artificial intelligence and new technologies are changing the way we learn, communicate, create, and interact online.

Topics may include:

Generative AI
Deepfakes
AI companions
Future technologies
Ethics and responsible innovation
Youth perspectives on emerging tech

Gaming & VR

Examine how gaming, virtual worlds, and immersive technologies impact young people’s lives.

Topics may include:

Online gaming communities
Virtual reality
Digital identity
Community building
Safety in gaming spaces
The future of immersive experiences

Digital Wellbeing

Explore how technology affects mental health, relationships, habits, and overall wellbeing.

Topics may include:

Healthy technology use
Social media and self-esteem
Screen time
Balance and boundaries
Building positive online experiences
Mental health in digital spaces

Online Harms

Research challenges that young people may encounter online and identify ways to improve safety and support.

Topics may include:

Cyberbullying
Online grooming
Sextortion
Misinformation
Deepfakes
Harassment and abuse
Youth safety resources

How do I know which pod is right for me?

Choose the topic that excites you most.

Though prior experience or interest is helpful, you do not need to be an expert. The best pod for you is the one you’re most curious about and interested in exploring over the course of the program.

Ask yourself:

Which topic do I find myself thinking about most?
Which challenges or opportunities do I care about most?
What would I be excited to research and discuss with other young people?

If you’re interested in multiple areas, that’s completely normal. We’ll ask for your preferences during the application process.

Can I change my pod later?

Is the program virtual or in person?

Is this a paid role?

Application - NOW CLOSED.

Who can apply?

How do I apply?

Complete the online application form and answer a series of questions about your interests, experiences, and why you’d like to join the Council.

Applications should reflect your own thoughts and experiences. While you may use tools such as AI to help organize your ideas, we want to hear your authentic voice.

The next stage of the application process will be a brief 30-minute interview before final decisions are made.

How long are applications open?

Can I start my application and complete it later?

What happens after I submit my application?

After applications close:

Applications will be reviewed by the NoFiltr team.
Applicants who are selected to interview will receive an e-mail that requires a Parent/Guardian form to be completed.
Applicants will receive a scheduling link to confirm the date and time of interview.
30-minute interview.
Final selections will be shared with applicants before August.
Accepted members and their parents/guardians will receive onboarding information and next steps.

Will my parents be notified if I apply?

What are you looking for in applicants?

We are looking for young people who are:

Curious and eager to learn.
Interested in digital issues affecting their generation.
Respectful of different perspectives and experiences.
Willing to collaborate with peers.
Excited to contribute ideas and participate in discussions.
Committed to helping create a healthier digital future.

You don’t need a perfect application. We want to understand who you are, what matters to you, and how you’d contribute to the Council.

When will I hear back?

Hear from our YIC

Explore

See what our Youth Innovation Council members have been creating.

Follow our dedicated Youth Innovation Council profiles to see all of the amazing content they’ve been creating to make digital spaces a place we all want to hang out.

NoFiltr Youth Innovation Council

Our Work

peers change the internet, together

Youth Insight

Leadership & Impact

Youth Lead at the Edge of Technology

Youth PowerExpand

Training & SupportExpand

Focus AreasExpand

Impact & VisibilityExpand

Thinking About a Youth Innovation Council? Start Here.

FAQ

How long is the program?

What are the program expectations?

What are the different pods?

How do I know which pod is right for me?

Can I change my pod later?

Is the program virtual or in person?

Is this a paid role?

Who can apply?

How do I apply?

How long are applications open?

Can I start my application and complete it later?

What happens after I submit my application?

Will my parents be notified if I apply?

What are you looking for in applicants?

When will I hear back?

Hear from our YIC

See what our Youth Innovation Council members have been creating.