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...
Kate Gorringe-Smith is concerned at the fickle focus of her son’s night-time nuzzling. I was dizzy with the sudden increase in pace of my son’s relationships, and concerned as to what, if anything, to say. Was it right to just let him churn through bedfellows like...
Melissa Barnes and Kate Lafferty introduce the academic skill of metacognition – and 4 ways to encourage it in children. When parents think about their child’s education, they probably focus on basic skills and exam results, the amount a child is trying and their wellbeing. But there...
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...
As the new school year approaches, many families feel the familiar mix of excitement, nerves and long to-do lists. From resetting routines to packing lunchboxes and navigating technology, the return to school can feel overwhelming — but experts say it’s often the small, practical changes that...
Starting school was a far bigger wrench for me than it was for my son, writes Cathy Watson “Sending my second child – my ‘soft’ son – into the ruthless world of school was a harsh concept and I struggled with it far more than he...
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...
The impending birth of his second child leads Kenny Williams to ponder life’s big questions — from the contraction of sleep to the surprising expansion “…my wife has just informed me that we are having another baby. And I’m thrilled. I really am. But it’s...
