While it's not realistic to avoid screens entirely, being mindful of how screens impact eye health and managing risks on a day-to-day basis is essential. According to Professor Isabelle Jalbert from the School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW Medicine & Health, “There is a genetic...
Rachael Sharman and Michael Nagel report A recent Beyond Blue survey of more than 2,000 teachers identified mental ill-health and excessive screen time as the biggest problems facing their students. Comments from teachers revealed a perceived lack of social skill development in children and teens. As one...
Juliana Zabatiero, Kate Highfield, Leon Straker and Susan Edwards look at how parents and carers can help children with what researchers call “technology transitions”. Many Australian parents worry about how much time their children spend watching screens. While some time on devices is fine for entertainment and...
To improve Australia’s education system, we need to move away from the idea that the basic features of education are fixed, writes Professor John Quay Have you heard of ‘Flat-Earth education’? It’s a phrase I am using as a provocation to highlight a problem – the...
As 26th January approaches, it can be a confusing time for many Australians, writes Wiradjuri woman Jess Staines, The Koori Curriculum If you’re a parent who grew up celebrating it as our ‘national day’ with BBQs, beers and beach, then you might have mixed feelings about...
It's a mix of emotions – like excitement, nervousness, or uncertainty - in the lead-up to big changes, writes Shelley Lipshut The leap from primary to secondary school marks a profound milestone in a child's educational journey. It is a juncture teaming with anticipation and trepidation....
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is more often diagnosed in children, writes Alison Poulton. That might make you wonder if people grow out of it as they reach adulthood. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that involves difficulties focusing attention (for study or work) and/or sitting still or...
Corey Bloomfield looks at how families can use the holidays to lay the groundwork for a more positive school year ahead. These long summer holidays may seem like an extra blessing to families dealing with a child who does not like school or refuses to go. But even...
Researcher Marg Rogers, looks closer at the report and also at why educators are leaving in droves The Productivity Commission has just released a major report as part of its inquiry into early childhood education and care. The draft recommendation that all children under five should...
Yes, childcare is costly, writes Ben Phillips but nowhere near as costly as recent reports suggest Childcare in Australia is generally regarded as expensive. And it’s true that prices charged by some centres, particularly long daycare centres, can be pretty steep, climbing to as much as A$200...
