Respect and listening
Hearing the voice of the child: evidence snapshot
The term ‘voice of the child’ refers to the real involvement of children in expressing their views, opinions, and experiences. It includes both verbal and nonverbal communication and goes beyond simply seeking their views to actively including them in decision-making processes. More >
Age assurance online needs to be child rights respecting, new study says
Age assurance measures are often poorly implemented, exposing children to inappropriate content, harmful products and services, and depriving them of a high level of data protection and has often been ineffective in protecting children from online harm, risking their privacy and harming their civil rights. More >
Amplifying the Voices of Aboriginal Children and Young People through Wakwakurna Kanyini
Wakwakurna Kanyini is the new SA peak body for Aboriginal children and families. Ashum Owen, inaugural CEO, talks about her vision for the body and how it can uphold the rights of Aboriginal children and young people throughout South Australia to ensure they grow up strong, connected to family, culture and Country. More >
Enjoying and achieving
Kids’ book celebrating outdoor play successful for SA primary school teacher
The biggest difference in children since screens have become such a big part of their everyday life is their lack of oral language skills. The ones that have had great outdoor experiences, have an incredible oral language and great vocabulary because they’ve been out amongst it and engaging with nature. More >
Number of South Australian public primary and high school students suspended, excluded revealed
Some of the state’s largest public schools have slashed the number of students being suspended following a policy change which requires teachers to take account of a student’s age and development before making a decision. More >
Video: Play in Early Childhood: The Role of Play in Any Setting
With so much happening in our world right now, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. For young children, play is a powerful way to reduce sources of stress, build resilience, develop core life skills, and strengthen relationships. More >
Time to stop throwing good money after bad: delivering universal childcare through market reform
Current market settings are leading to higher fees, rather than cost effective and higher quality care. There are large benefits from reforming early childhood education and care and moving to a universal system. More >
Participation
Youth Mental Health and Social Media – Joint Statement
Social media can have a negative impact on mental health, however the current narrative blaming social media for the youth mental health crisis is overly simplistic and fails to address other important factors associated with poor mental health in young people. More >
Calls for universal birth registrations to be embedded in national Early Years Strategy
Every year an average of a little more than 12,500 Australian children are not registered at birth. Not having a birth certificate is proven to be an obstacle for children growing up when it comes to enrolling in school, playing competitive sports, applying for a driver’s licence, and gaining employment for the first time. More >
Practising culture on Country can improve Aboriginal people’s health and wellbeing
Assessing individual health outcomes against non-Aboriginal counterparts inadvertently positions Aboriginal people as deficient and also neglects Aboriginal ways of understanding health. Cultural health considers how the interdependent and equally important elements of Country, people and culture act to protect and enhance health and wellbeing. More >
Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024: bill digest
An overview and analysis of the Bill that proposes introducing a minimum age of 16 for social media use in Australia. The digest notes that although the bill has bipartisan support, experts and researchers have encouraged the government to pursue alternative action. More >
Prepared for adult life
Community garden growing wellbeing and purpose among vulnerable young people at risk of homelessness
Young people at risk of homelessness after spending time in state care in SA are taking part in an affordable living program. In return for a small portion of their income, the residents are supported to live independently with access to staff who can assist them with managing household tasks like paying bills and cooking. More >
Lasting impacts: the economic costs of child poverty in New South Wales
Child poverty costs the NSW economy approximately $60 billion annually. This report highlights how a failure to invest in measures to alleviate poverty negatively impacts individuals throughout their life and demonstrates the far-reaching consequences of child poverty; reduced educational attainment, poor health outcomes, and diminished workforce participation, which perpetuates cycles of disadvantage and leads to significant social and government costs. More >
Health and wellbeing
‘Falling through the cracks’: New research uncovers urgent need to support young carers
New research shows children carers, as young as eight years old, are not having their basic needs met and are struggling to balance the responsibilities of caring without sufficient support. More >
Foodbank Hunger Report 2024
While the food insecurity situation for some in Australia has shown slight improvement, many households still face significant challenges. Nearly half of low-income households face food insecurity, with 3.4 million households affected, including 2 million experiencing ‘severe’ insecurity; cost-of-living pressures are the main driver. More >
Diverse sexuality reported by more than one in 10 Australian high school students
Researchers surveyed 6,388 year 8 students between 2019 and 2021, finding that 12% reported diverse sexualities, while 3.3% identified as gender-diverse. The findings highlight an ‘urgent need’ for support services in schools and healthcare settings to mitigate against an increased risk of stigma, discrimination and violence. More >
Poor nutrition and misleading marketing: the truth about commercial baby foods in Australia
Dietary practices formed during the early years set a pattern of eating behaviours that continues throughout life. Around one-third of the daily energy in children’s diets comes from unhealthy or discretionary foods, and almost all Australian children fall short on meeting the recommended intake of vegetables each day. More >
New anti-vaping program to target schoolkids as educators fear students unaware of health risks
A new school-based program will target year 7 and 8 students across the country. Teens will be taught about the health risks of vaping, as well as how to resist peer pressure and support friends who are addicted. More >
How’s Life? 2024: Well-being and Resilience in Times of Crisis
Drawing on the OECD Well-being Framework, this report measures changes to living standards in OECD countries since the COVID-19 pandemic and whether progress has been sustainable and inclusive. It finds positive trends in income and employment but warning signs in housing, financial insecurity, health and well-being. More >
In Focus: More For Children project
To reduce child poverty, Australia must understand how children experience poverty differently to adults. More >
The State of the World’s Children 2024
The demographic trends of today will shape tomorrow’s population patterns. The carbon we pour into our atmosphere today will shape tomorrow’s climate. The technologies we develop and govern today will influence not only how future generations learn, work and communicate, but also the wellbeing of children for years to come. More >
The Child and Youth Strategy 2024-27
The New Zealand Child and Youth Strategy 2024-27 includes updated child poverty indicators to measure long-term disadvantage affecting a child’s future life chances. The indicators are designed to focus government efforts on the deeper drivers of disadvantage to achieve reductions in poverty rates in the long term, and drive accountability. More >
Safe and nurtured
New Research Shows The Way Forward For Ending Homelessness
A community-based housing program for people transitioning out of homelessness has been overwhelmingly successful in keeping a safe roof over their heads, while also improving health and employment outcomes and reducing contact with the criminal justice system. More >
We can’t solve family violence until we include violence between siblings in the conversation
International estimates suggest that sibling-to-sibling violence is one of the most common forms of domestic and family violence globally. Yet in Australia and internationally, there is very little conversation or research about it. More >
Sibling Connection Practice Guide for Caseworkers and Carers
This practice guide seeks to offer practical suggestions and guidance for caseworkers and carers involved in supporting children and young people in the out-of-home care system in SA, including maintaining and promoting positive connections and relationships with their siblings, while supporting connection to culture, family and community. More >
Calming the body before calming the mind: Sensory strategies for children affected by trauma
Children who have experienced trauma may find it more difficult to regulate their emotions and behaviours than other children. Understanding the impact of trauma on brain development can inform practical responses to their needs. More >
How do we support young survivors of abuse?
Every child and young person deserves a future free from fear, filled with hope, and brimming with possibility. Through collective efforts, we can create a world where children feel safe, supported, and empowered. More >
Family Matters Report 2024
The report evaluates government actions to address the over-representation of, and improve outcomes for, Aboriginal children and young people in the out-of-home care system. It highlights initiatives led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, calling for increased government support and investment in community-led solutions for child wellbeing, development and safety. More >