Why was a lifelike robot called ‘Sally’ going to teach in a US school?

A New York school district made global headlines this week for plans to trial a humanoid robot named “Sally” in high school classrooms. Sally has lifelike silicone skin, long brown hair, and the ability to move her arms, head, and face while seated. According to the manufacturer, she uses “natural conversation, facial expressions and real-time...

Thinking of posting pictures of your child online? Ask these 4 questions first.

Parents, schools and clubs regularly post images of children to social media platforms and websites, writes Lauri Parr. While this may support connection with family and friends, promote school or sports activities or celebrate children’s achievements, there can be unintended consequences.

EDITOR’S PICKS

Puberty at Eight? What Parents Need to Know
When her eight-year-old daughter developed her first breast bud, Donna Reis wasn't quite ready for the answer. She set out to find out more about early puberty – and discovered that children don't always develop according to the timetable parents expect.
Editor
27 August, 2026
Your library card could save your family money!
Looking for free family entertainment? Your local library may offer books, audiobooks, magazines, movies, internet access, kids’ activities and more.
Editor
20 August, 2026
Endometriosis: why a new musical is getting people talking about a painful condition
Endometriosis affects one in seven Australian women. We look at current support and the musical putting this often-misunderstood condition centre stage.
Editor
13 August, 2026
Why parents’ everyday habits may shape a teen’s gambling risk
New research suggests parents’ attitudes and everyday gambling habits can influence whether teenagers gamble and experience gambling-related harm.
Editor
06 August, 2026
Why children should have their blood pressure checked?
High blood pressure is usually thought of as an adult health problem, but it can also affect children. Australia’s first guidelines for childhood hypertension aim to identify children at risk before it affects their heart, kidneys or long-term health.
Editor
30 July, 2026
Why have Australian unis dropped again in global rankings?
Here’s why we can’t just shrug it off, writes Kylie Message More than half of Australia’s universities dropped in global rankings recently. Individual results always bounce around. But this drop, via the Centre for World University Rankings, suggests the decline of Australia’s standing in many...
Editor
23 July, 2026

Celebrating Mothers

What drives women to have a ‘freebirth’ without a midwife or doctor?
While the decision is often framed around autonomy, trust and control, the death of wellness influencer Stacey Warnecke after a home birth has highlighted the serious risks when complications arise and urgent medical care is delayed.
Editor
09 July, 2026
13 Pregnancy myths: what’s true, what’s not, and what parents-to-be should know
When you're expecting, everyone offers you advice, and it's hard to know what's true. We've debunked 13 of the most common pregnancy myths, from bump shapes to hair dye, so you can stop second-guessing and start enjoying the ride. The best part? Some of the things you thought were off-limits are actually perfectly fine.
Editor
08 July, 2026
When Work Makes You a Better Parent
Kylie Ladd reflects on the relief, guilt and quiet joy that can come with reclaiming working time after the intense early years of parenting. When my youngest child started school, for the first time in almost nine years, large chunks of each weekday belonged solely...
Editor
25 June, 2026
Worried about feeding your baby solid foods? Here’s what you should know
Worried about feeding your baby solid foods? Here’s what you should know, report Lillian Krikheli and Samantha Turner When you have a baby, mealtimes can be messy and stressful. If you’re a new parent you may be unsure what, when, and how to feed your...
Editor
11 June, 2026