Young people are increasingly turning to social media platforms for information on contraception but experts warn a national education campaign is needed to ensure they are not led astray by incorrect advice.

TikTok in particular has become a major source of information on contraception but a La Trobe University study has found much of the content is unreliable and of poor quality.

The researchers also found there was significant distrust of health care professionals among content creators coupled with risks of misinformation in videos.

Analysis of 100 TikToks from the top five hashtags on contraception methods collectively had 4.85 billion views but just 10 per cent were created by health professionals.

The researchers also discovered a "concerning trend" of content favouring natural contraceptive methods over hormonal options which were often not accompanied by pregnancy risk information.