If your child falls apart the moment they get home from school, you’re not imagining it — and you’re definitely not alone. Afternoon meltdowns, bedtime blow-ups and tears over seemingly small things are incredibly common in young children, especially during the early primary years. What looks like...
Australia is battling its biggest rise in whooping cough cases in 35 years. So why the surge? Asks Archana Koirala During 2024 and 2025 Australia recorded 82,513 whooping cough cases – the highest number since monitoring began in 1991. Also known as pertussis or the “100-day cough”,...
Australia introduced new rules on December 10th, 2025 requiring social media platforms to stop children under 16 from creating or maintaining accounts. This extract is from Screen Smart Children, which answers many of the burning questions parents might have. One reason for the new social media...
New Australian research shows that raising the school-leaving age reduced child maltreatment and emergency hospital visits. Here’s why staying in school matters for vulnerable teens. When staying at school protects children Keeping teenagers engaged in school doesn’t just improve learning outcomes — it can also protect their...
For many families, the holidays mean sleep routines go out the window. Bedtimes drift later, screens stay on into the late evening, sleep-ins become the norm. Researchers Yaqoot Fatima, Danielle Wilson, Jasneek Chawla, and Nisreen Aouira show how to get them back into a sleep...
A government review wants schools to respond to bullying complaints within 2 days. Is this fair? What else do we need? Asks Matthew White and Paul Kidson Recently, the federal government released its rapid review into school bullying. Authored by clinical psychologist Charlotte Keating and suicide prevention...
Why what kids eat at school still matters – and how to keep it realistic The first weeks of a new school year often bring a surprising mix of emotions – and not always from the kids. Many parents feel the pressure most keenly at the...
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. ...
