New Australian research from the UNSW Institute for Cyber Security, has found many school-approved apps begin collecting children’s data within seconds — often without clear consent. Here’s what families and educators need to know, and what can change. The hidden cost of “trusted” school apps Parents and...
From smartwatches to AI-powered glasses, wearable tech is quietly entering classrooms. While these devices could support learning and wellbeing, experts warn they also raise big questions about privacy, pressure and fairness for students. AI wearables are already in classrooms—whether schools like it or not Could your child’s...
Active zones and mini retreats – Fatemeh Aminpour looks at how to build preschools suitable for neurodivergent kids An estimated 15–20% of children are neurodivergent, with diagnoses rising each year. They may have a neurodevelopmental condition such as autism or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. We know many neurodivergent children...
A simple book swap could help put thousands of books into the hands of First Nations children. The Indigenous Literacy Foundation is calling on schools, families and communities to get involved—and it’s easier than you think. A simple idea with a big impact Swapping books might feel...
Astronauts have safely returned from the Moon under NASA’s Artemis program — and suddenly space feels real again. Here’s how Australian families can turn that moment into simple, age-appropriate activities kids will actually love. Why this moment matters for kids With NASA’s Artemis missions now sending astronauts...
If you’ve spent much time on TikTok recently, you may have noticed a strange new type of AI brain rot taking over: fruit dramas, report Niusha Shafiabady and Theresa Dicke These AI-generated short dramas feature odd-looking anthropomorphic fruit characters engaging in a range of ethically problematic...
New study finds that continuity of care in pregnancy is linked to lower risk of birth trauma, report by Hannah Dahlen, Hazel Keedle and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho Seeing the same midwife or doctor throughout pregnancy and labour may significantly reduce the risk of birth trauma, according...
A new diagnosis of ‘profound autism’ is on the cards. Researchers Kelsie Boulton, Marie Antoinette Hodge and Rebecca Sutherland, look at what could change. When it comes to autism, few questions spark as much debate as how best to support autistic people with the greatest needs. This prompted...
For the 2026 awards, 736 entries were assessed by 15 expert judges, representing 166 publishers and nearly 800 creators from across Australia. The Shortlist has been selected from the entries that made it through to the Notables List The Children’s Book of the Year Award winners...
‘Buy it nice or buy it twice’, writes Lorinda Cramer. Rejecting this new world of overconsumption during a cost of living crisis The “frugal chic” aesthetic is having its moment, however contradictory the concept may seem. “Frugal” suggests a focus on thriftiness, while “chic” oozes a...
