We need a better food labelling system. Parents especially find the Health Star Ratings confusing and unhelpful, write Juliet Bennett, Alex Broom, and Davi Raubenheimer Food labels are intended to support healthy choices. But not all labelling schemes are equal. Australia currently uses a voluntary Health Star...
Adults like to talk about ‘big school’. This can make the change seem scary for some children, writes Kelly Simpson. Starting school is a time of great anticipation and excitement for young children and families. The buildup can last for months as children go to orientation...
Should anti-bullying approaches encourage kids to be ‘upstanders’? The evidence is not clear, writes Karyn Healy School bullying is one of the most serious issues facing Australian schools. Students who are bullied can be left psychologically and emotionally devastated for years afterwards. Recently, the federal government released the...
Note: this is a companion piece to H2Know: How to Keep Your Family Safer Around Water National drowning deaths (all ages) 357 people drowned in Australia in the 2024–25 financial year, a significant increase (27% above the 10-year average). This is the highest national drowning toll since...
Pool parties, icy poles, brightly coloured swimmers and backyard barbecues — for many Australian families, summer and water go hand in hand. But while water play is a cherished part of childhood, it also brings very real risks. Drowning remains one of the leading causes of...
When children with disability can learn and participate alongside their peers, everyone benefits, writes Nicole Rinehart Programs such as AllPlay Dance show what’s possible. Developed through research at Monash University and Deakin University, and co-funded by philanthropy, AllPlay Dance creates inclusive school and community dance opportunities...
One in six Australian children grow up experiencing disadvantage, putting them at risk of starting school without the essentials they need to learn and thrive. This summer, the annual Officeworks Back to School Appeal is calling on Australians to help give students a fair start. Helping students...
We often see lists of ‘top’ schools. But what makes a good school for your child? Nicole Brownlie and Renee Desmarchelier look behind what makes a good school for your child. Lists of Australia’s “top” schools regularly make headlines. We see this every year with Year 12...
‘Make the platforms safer’: what young people really think about the social media ban, writ researchers Kim Osman, Lynrose Jane Genon and Michael Dezuanni On December 10th, thousands of young Australians under 16 lost access to their accounts across ten social media platforms, as the teen...
Andres Molina, Esther Doecke and Melinda Hildebrandt look at full service schools? This is why Australia needs them. Inequality is one of the most urgent challenges facing Australian schools. For decades, governments have invested billions of dollars in schools with the promise every child should have...
