Agent C: Evidence-Based Program Now Free for NSW Schools and Youth Services
Young people across New South Wales will have greater access to vital education that builds resilience against online misinformation, conspiracy theories and hate, with All Together Now’s Agent C program now funded by the NSW Government and available free of charge to NSW schools and youth services until the end of 2026.
The announcement follows the release of the independent evaluation by Urbis, which demonstrated the program’s significant impact in strengthening young people’s ability to critically assess online content and challenge harmful narratives.
Agent C is an interactive, evidence-based workshop program designed for young people aged 12–21. Through engaging activities and facilitated discussions, the program develops critical thinking, media literacy and digital resilience, helping participants identify fake news, conspiracy theories and online content that promote racism, misogyny and other forms of hate.
Proven Impact: Independently Evaluated by Urbis
The independent Urbis evaluation found that Agent C successfully equips young people with practical skills to navigate today’s increasingly complex digital environment. Between January 2022 and June 2024, the program reached more than 1,000 young people across 35 settings in NSW, exceeding its original participation target by 41%. The findings demonstrate strong demand for the program and its ability to be successfully delivered across diverse educational settings.
Importantly, the evaluation showed measurable improvements in participants’ knowledge and confidence:
- 77% reported feeling more confident in identifying fake news.
- 76% felt more confident in recognising conspiracy theories.
- 72% gained a better understanding of the media.
- 72% learned new skills for discussing fake news and conspiracy theories with friends and family.
Read the full evaluation report here.
The evaluation also highlighted the program’s broader impact beyond media literacy. Participants developed a deeper understanding of online hate, racism, identity and privilege, and how these issues intersect with misinformation and extremist narratives. By encouraging critical reflection and respectful discussion, Agent C helps young people build resilience before they encounter harmful online content.
Educators also reported overwhelmingly positive experiences, with all participating school staff describing the content as informative and the vast majority indicating they would recommend Agent C to other schools. Nearly all educators agreed the program helped address issues relating to hateful or divisive misinformation within their school communities.
The expansion of Agent C comes at a time when advances in artificial intelligence and rapidly evolving online platforms are making false and manipulated information easier to create and spread. Young people are increasingly exposed to sophisticated misinformation, conspiracy theories and harmful online influencers, highlighting the need for evidence-based education that develops critical thinking rather than simply fact-checking individual claims.
Originally developed in 2021 through a co-design process with young people, Agent C combines research-backed approaches including media literacy, critical reading, prebunking (Inoculation Theory) and decoding harmful stereotypes. The program has continually evolved to respond to emerging trends in misinformation, artificial intelligence and online extremism.
Building on its demonstrated success, the NSW Government will support the expansion of the program through:
- Free delivery to eligible NSW schools and youth services until the end of 2026;
- Tailored content for younger student cohorts (It’s now available from years 7-12);
- Updated learning materials reflecting emerging online challenges including AI-generated misinformation and evolving extremist recruitment tactics; and
- Online delivery continues to be available and an expanded delivery option to include in-person workshops.
As digital spaces continue to shape how young people understand the world, Agent C provides practical skills that extend beyond the classroom – helping the next generation become informed, resilient and responsible digital citizens.
About Agent C
Agent C is an initiative of All Together Now, a national not-for-profit organisation working to prevent racism and promote racial equity in Australia. The program empowers young people to recognise and challenge fake news, misinformation, conspiracy theories and build resilience against hateful narratives that can lead to prejudice, discrimination and extremism. The program supports the Australian Curriculum across areas including English, Civics and Citizenship, Digital Technologies and Wellbeing while strengthening critical thinking and media literacy skills.
Schools and youth services across NSW can now access the program at no cost, with limited places available.
To learn more about the program or book a workshop for your school or services, visit our page here.
