Children who experience ongoing stress and adversity across their early years are far more vulnerable to self-harm and suicidal thoughts as teenagers, new Australian research shows. Experts say the findings highlight the importance of early, family-centred support — not blame. When adversity adds up A major Australian study...
A new Australian study reveals celebrity alcohol brands are widely visible to under-18s on Instagram, raising concerns about how social media marketing may influence teens’ attitudes to drinking. Teens can easily see celebrity alcohol promotions Parents who assume social media platforms block alcohol advertising for under-18s may...
New global research shows Australian children were spending more than two hours a day on TikTok before the under-16 social media ban. But that’s only part of the story — gaming platforms, messaging apps and AI tools are quickly filling the gap. TikTok dominated children’s screen...
The number of “serious incidents” in Australian early childhood services – including long daycare – is increasing, reports, Erin Harper According to a new Productivity Commission report, there were 160 such incidents per 100 services in 2024-25. This is up from 148 and 139 in the previous...
Childcare centres may have clear rules for staff numbers, write Tammy Williams and Marg Rogers, but there are loopholes to get around them. There is a growing number of “serious incidents” in Australian early childhood services, including day cares. A serious incident is one that seriously compromises...
I’m a drowning prevention researcher, writes Amy Peden, and my kid’s school swimming carnival shocked me. It is swimming carnival season in Australia. This typically means children from about Year 2 and up are asked to swim a distance of 50 metres or one length of...
Martha Wegner enrolled her son in circus school, but she didn’t expect him to become the class clown. When a child doesn’t thrive in competitive sport or traditional academics, it can leave parents worried. But creative outlets — from circus classes to drawing and performance —...
As Disney and other studios reinvent classic fairy tales, what subtle lessons about gender, race and consumerism are children absorbing? Dr Karen Brooks explores why revisiting original stories still matters. The Magic — and the Marketing What lessons are these sumptuous, happily-ever-after tales of beautiful and very...
Kathy Sena finds a little self-realisation — and a lot of laughter — through improvisation. …we weren’t so much looking to run away from something as we were looking to embrace something else – our true selves; the kid inside who once rolled around on the...
After decades devoted to caring for others, one Sydney mum discovered that even a small, flexible income could create a life-changing impact — not just for her own independence, but for women in her community. A small income, a big ripple effect After more than 30 years...
