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...
Blind box* toys such as Labubu are hugely popular with children and collectors, but their mystery packaging means buyers don’t know what they’ll get until they open the box. César Albarrán-Torres and Jessica Balanzategui say the chance-based appeal raises questions about gambling-like behaviour. If you walk...
After an Australian teenager died after eating beef sausages on a camping trip, it has been confirmed as the nation’s first death from a tick-induced meat allergy, reports Alexander Gofton (CSIRO). New South Wales Deputy State Coroner Carmel Forbes ruled that Jeremy Webb died in 2022...
It’s hard to escape the news right now. From global conflict to political tension, distressing headlines and confronting images are never more than a swipe away — for us, and increasingly, for our children. As parents, we’re walking a delicate line. We want our kids to...
A new survey reveals many boys still feel pressure to hide emotions, appear tough and conform to traditional ideas of masculinity, reports Michael Flood. Experts say these stereotypes can affect boys’ wellbeing, friendships and willingness to seek help. Rigid norms of manhood, based in manly confidence and...
Online spaces promoting extreme ideas about masculinity are reaching more teenage boys. As the Netflix documentary Louis Theroux: Inside the Manosphere sparks debate, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner says open conversations at home are key. What is the “manosphere”? Parents may have heard the term recently thanks to the Netflix...
Here’s what the online ads actually say, using various tactics to appeal to parents, report Madeleine Stirling, Christine Parker and Daniel Angus Recently, the federal government released a consultation paper seeking input on whether it should introduce legislation to prevent or restrict infant formula marketing in...
Families across Australia are already deep into coughs, runny noses and gastro bugs — and for many, it feels relentless. One child returns to care with a sniffle. Within days, half the room is coughing. By the end of the week, siblings, parents and even grandparents...
After a shocking bullying incident at a NSW school, annual behaviour contracts for students and parents are being proposed. But educators say paperwork alone won’t stop bullying — and the reality of monitoring and enforcing them may be more complicated. A disturbing bullying incident at a...
If you pack school lunchboxes for your children, writes Neha Lalchandani, you’ll know it can sometimes feel like a real slog. It needs to be easy to prepare, nutritious and something children will actually eat. On top of this, there is increasing awareness it should be friendly...
