New measles cases in Queensland showed ‘herd immunity’ is now more important than ever, report Frank Beard and Kristine Macartney The World Health Organization (WHO) declared Australia free of measles in 2014. Historically, high childhood measles vaccination coverage and thorough follow-up of suspected cases have helped prevent...
Thumb and finger sucking are common self-soothing habits in babies and young children — but when they persist, they can start to affect teeth and jaw development. Paediatric dentist Dr Anna Buckeridge explains what’s happening in your child’s mouth, when parents should be concerned, and...
While the lunch-box contents matter most, the container plays a big role in whether kids can open it, keep food fresh, and eat independently without help. Reviewers and family testers consistently highlight a few key design features: Kid-friendly latches and easy-open lids so children don’t need adult help at school. ...
We need a better food labelling system. Parents especially find the Health Star Ratings confusing and unhelpful, write Juliet Bennett, Alex Broom, and Davi Raubenheimer Food labels are intended to support healthy choices. But not all labelling schemes are equal. Australia currently uses a voluntary Health Star...
When children with disability can learn and participate alongside their peers, everyone benefits, writes Nicole Rinehart Programs such as AllPlay Dance show what’s possible. Developed through research at Monash University and Deakin University, and co-funded by philanthropy, AllPlay Dance creates inclusive school and community dance opportunities...
‘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...
‘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...
Andres Molina, Esther Doecke and Melinda Hildebrandt look at full service schools? This is why Australia needs them. Inequality is one of the most urgent challenges facing Australian schools. For decades, governments have invested billions of dollars in schools with the promise every child should have...
Many parents today say they rarely get time to slow down with their kids, juggling work, screens and everyday life often means the small moments that matter most can slip away. When good intentions meet busy days Most parents want to feel more connected to their children...
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...
