Chatswood-based high school students are leading an intergenerational learning program designed to give local seniors the confidence to explore the digital world.
Ten St Pius X College students are holding six sessions with local residents, aged 55 or above, under the Young Mentors program.
The sessions are being organised by Willoughby City Council and are funded by the Australian Government's eSafety Commissioner.
Willoughby City Mayor Tanya Taylor said the Young Mentors program delivered benefits for local youth and seniors.
"The program empowers students to build their leadership skills, pass on digital knowledge, develop social awareness and empathise with others," Mayor Taylor said.
"In turn, seniors learn how to safely use technology to enhance and enrich their lives."
East Roseville resident Ann Glisson participated in the program and was paired with Year 11 student Luke Sarkissian.
Ms Glisson, who uses an iPad and mobile phone, said the session helped overcome her "uneasy relationship with technology."
"Luke was an outstanding teacher. I learned a great deal and he took notes, and I've practised those notes and built my confidence," Ms Glisson said.
"I've got a friend with a little less (technological) ability than me and I'm confident enough to say to her: "Would you like me to show you what I learned from Luke?"
Mr Sarkissian said the Young Mentors Be Connected Program was enabling young people to give senior members of the community confidence to navigate electronic devices.
"It allows for intergenerational relationships to be formed in a supportive environment, one in which young people can share their knowledge with those who have not grown up in the digital age.
"We (the mentors) learn through teaching just as much as we hope the mentees do throughout the program.
"I am grateful that St Pius X College has been able to collaborate with Willoughby Library in this initiative, allowing me to give back to my community and having the opportunity to meet and help a wonderful person such as Ann."
One of the key lessons Ms Glisson learned from the session was how to delete and change the names of folders when necessary.
"Luke taught me how to clean up my devices so I'm not using too much data," Ms Glisson said.
Ms Glisson has compiled a list of questions to help bolster her technological knowledge over the next six weeks, including how to edit photos in documents and use spreadsheets on an iPad.
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said it is vital to ensure older Australians aren't left behind as technology advances and online interactions increase.
"As more and more of our day-to-day interactions take place online – from connecting with family and socialising with friends, to shopping and accessing essential services – we must work together to equip older Australians with the digital skills and confidence to be online," Ms Inman Grant said.
"eSafety's intergenerational Young Mentors program is part of the Be Connected initiative which aims to empower all Australians to thrive in a digital world.
"Young Mentors facilitates genuine connection between people from different generations, like Luke and Ms Glisson, to bring our communities together with a shared goal of improving digital literacy."
Seniors who participated in the program noted the sessions were practical and sparked their desire for life-long learning.
