‘We get bucketloads of homework’: so what do young people think about this crucial time in their lives? ask researchers Katherine Stevens and Peter R. Whipp  Starting high school is one of the most significant transitions young people make in their education. Many different changes happen at...

I love my friends… I do not love their kids, writes Catherine E. Wood At this time of the year, with lots of parties, family catch-ups and holiday plans, you might be reminded of how much you love your friends. But as their kids pester for screen...

‘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...

How can you make sure everyone feels comfortable and supported? What if one of your guests has an eating disorder or is anxious around food? Kathleen de Boer,  Courtney P. McLean and Inge Gnatt As the holiday season continues, perhaps you’re thinking of hosting friends and...

With the pressure for housing at the moment, the Planning Institute of Australia has a timely reminder that well-maintained public areas, infrastructure and facilities are the building blocks of healthy and vibrant communities. How Our Cities Have Evolved The early planned settlements in Australia were small, and...

Cameron Webb asks why do I really need them in Australia? Summer’s here and after a wet spring in many parts of Australia, mosquitoes are out in force. Insect repellent has become a routine requirement for time outdoors. But how safe are they? And do we really...

For children who prefer a gentler cinema experience Many Australian cinemas offer sensory-friendly screenings designed for children who are autistic, sensory-sensitive, anxious in noisy environments, or littlies who simply prefer a more relaxed setting. These sessions typically feature: Lower volume levels Dimmed lights (not complete darkness) No trailers...

Help teens understand these reactions are normal. Social media platforms are designed to keep users hooked, write Christiane Kehoe and Elizabeth Westrupp Watching your teenager grieve the loss of their social media account can be confronting. Many are genuinely distressed or struggling with the change, and many...

Perfect pet presents this Christmas, and ones to avoid – from Jacqueline Boyd an expert in animal welfare Pets are increasingly viewed as integral family members. This often means owners want to offer their pets the same experiences as our human friends and family. But the holidays...