Bullying in schools can have a devastating impact on victims. Research shows it can lead to reduced academic performance, depression, anxiety and even suicidal behaviour. So, preventing and reducing bullying is an urgent priority for governments as well as families and schools. However, a common obstacle to...
Coercive control: the silent abuse harming children nationwide Barnardos Australia is warning that children across rural and regional Australia are becoming the hidden victims of coercive control — a form of domestic violence that uses intimidation, surveillance and financial restriction rather than physical assault. Although often invisible...
The 2025 Uniting Families Report shows housing stress, money worries, and care responsibilities are cutting too many parents off from the community support every child deserves. Why a Village Matters We’ve all heard the saying “it takes a village to raise a child”—but for many Australian families, that...
Why Planning for Hidden Health Costs Matters Australia’s animal shelters are under pressure, with pet surrenders climbing as families face rising living costs, relocations and downsizing. In the last financial year, more than 81,000 animals entered RSPCA shelters nationwide, while Companion Animal Network Australia (CANA) recorded...
Nisa Salim, a textile scientist explains how to ‘unshrink’ them When your favourite dress or shirt shrinks in the wash, it can be devastating, especially if you followed the instructions closely. Unfortunately, some fabrics just seem to be more prone to shrinking than others – but...
Australia set to ban ‘nudify’ apps, writes Nicola Henry. How will it work? The Australian government has announced plans to ban “nudify” tools and hold tech platforms accountable for failing to prevent users from accessing them. This is part of the government’s overall strategy to move towards...
Dr YooMi Byun reports on her study of the association between 8 years of fathers’ psychological problems and children’s social and emotional wellbeing. The Changing Role of Fathers in Children’s Lives The role of fathers has changed significantly in most developed societies over time. As mothers have...
If your child has a FASD diagnosis, or you’re considering getting a diagnosis, it can feel daunting. But a diagnosis unlocks understanding and support. It’s not the end of the journey, it’s the beginning. Diagnosis opens the doors Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), often called a “hidden...
Details on how Australia’s social media ban for under-16s will work are finally becoming clear, writes Lisa M. Given The Australian government today released regulatory guidance on the social media minimum age law, which comes into effect on December 10. The law will restrict individuals under...
Hunter Bennett, writes that the term “Microdosing” originally meant taking tiny amounts of psychedelics (such as mushrooms) to enhance mood or performance, with fewer side effects. Natalia Lebendinskaia/Getty But the term has taken off to mean anything where you incorporate a much lower “dose” of something – and...
