CYP Matters

Respect and listening

The Things That Matter to Gender Diverse Primary Students
It is important that primary school leaders and educators remain focused on creating inclusive and supportive
whole-of-school environments that realise the rights of all children. This includes acknowledgement that gender diverse children are likely to be attending every school. More >

Living with a parent in prison: Learning from young people
Children who experience parental imprisonment are known to be some of the most disadvantaged and overlooked in our community. They often experience multiple and compounding disadvantages, with long-term consequences, but receive no specialised assistance and are rarely consulted about their experiences. More >

Enjoying and achieving

Mapping the digital gap: 2024 outcomes report
This report examines progress against Closing the Gap Target 17 that by 2026, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have equal levels of digital inclusion. It explores changes over several years, what may be driving these changes, and what further is needed to ensure those living in remote First Nations communities are digitally included. More >

You read the terms and conditions, right?
As schools ask parents to read hundreds of thousands of words to consent to technology usage in classrooms, who’s protecting their children’s data? More >

Beyond the classroom: How outdoor learning boosts student success
Research shows that outdoor education improves behaviour, academic achievement, and well-being by fostering teamwork, critical thinking, and healthier life habits. However, many schools, especially secondary schools, lack resources and facilities to support outdoor learning, limiting students’ access to nature-based education. More >

Participation

‘Dreams don’t stop here’: How these teen mums are rewriting the rules
Young SA mums explain how they’re rejecting the stigma of teen parenthood, and showing they can still follow their dreams. Through workshops, one-on-one sessions, and peer networks, Talking Realities has helped young parents finish school, access housing, and secure employment. More >

Could letting 16-year-olds vote improve youth health? These countries have tried it
Young people already have ‘…a lot of the same responsibilities as adults; they can work and be taxed, join the military, consent to medical procedures and be criminally convicted in some states and territories. If young people can be sent to prison for their actions, they can also participate in democracy.’ More >

Engaging children with disability in supported decision making
Children with disability, like all children, have the right to express themselves and to have their views heard. Exercising self-determination is important not only for their wellbeing and sense of identity but also for social and emotional development. More >

Ireland: A toolkit for including children aged birth to 5 in the decision-making process
This toolkit provides guidance on how to listen to babies, toddlers and young children and involve them in decision-making on matters that affect their lives and includes, advice and examples of good practice. More >

Prepared for adult life

The role of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in adolescent use of violence
Research shows a strong link between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the use of violence by adolescents and young people. Understanding the factors associated with adolescent use of violence is key to supporting early interventions that address their needs and reduce the risk of them using violence. More >

What do young people want to see in politics? More than 20,000 pieces of their writing hold some answers
While there are concerns about the effectiveness of civics and citizenship education, there is also evidence young people are interested in, and active on, many issues. Thousands of pieces of writing by young Australians were analysed to find out what they care about most. More >

Tiny homes campus in Adelaide to help young people with their transition from care to independence
Every young person deserves not just a roof over their head, but a place they can truly call home. Surrounded by green spaces, close to education opportunities, and supported by dedicated staff, this community of 10 beautifully designed pods is where young people transitioning from care can start their journey to independence. More >

Health and wellbeing

More for Children: Children’s Experiences of Poverty in Australia
Policies in Australia towards people experiencing poverty are often punitive, blaming individuals for their circumstances and diverting attention from how and why systems fail, but also from how and why systems work, preventing change in social and economic conditions in ways that enable child poverty to end to ensure all children can thrive. More >

Material deprivation in Australia: the essentials of life
People living in poverty are unable to meet their basic needs, face an increased risk of poor health and social isolation and are unable to insure themselves against future risks. This report uses data from three waves of the Household Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia survey to analyse changes in deprivation spanning eight years. More >

Inklings program supporting young South Australians showing developmental delays
Up to 1300 South Australian families will benefit from a new, early support program for babies aged six to 18 months showing developmental differences in social communication and interaction. The Inklings program which will be piloted in SA over three years to June 2027 will be rolled out across Adelaide metro and regional areas. More >

More health and development checks for more South Australian children
The State Government will spend more than $13m to expand free health checks for South Australian children up to the age of five. Funding will be used by the Child and Family Health Service to expand health and development screening by 35%. The screenings are designed to check children’s physical health, motor skills and language development. More >

Wellbeing strategies for children and young people – Lessons for development and implementation
Prioritising the wellbeing of children and young people not only supports their growth and development but also delivers widespread benefits for society as a whole, fostering healthier, more resilient communities. More >

Wellbeing, participation and connection in the middle years of childhood
Ensuring the health and wellbeing of children in the middle years is a fundamental societal goal, best achieved when children are connected to their communities, have opportunities for meaningful participation, and enjoy strong and supportive relationships across generations, within and beyond their families. More >

Vaping rates plummet among young Australians as new laws take effect
SAHMRI data shows a sharp decline in vape use across age groups in South Australia, with rates dropping 28% among 15-29 year olds from 2023 to 2024. Australia’s strict vaping laws, along with South Australia’s crackdown on illegal sales, have contributed to the decline. School suspensions related to vaping have also halved in 2024. More >

A Better Tomorrow: 10 Ways to Ease the Cost of Living for Young Australians
Poverty is one of the strongest predictors of poor health, educational, and social outcomes and is therefore a powerful lever to address intergenerational disadvantage. Not only is it a breach of our international human rights obligations to children, but addressing childhood poverty is less expensive than addressing its long-term repercussions. More >

Social and Emotional Wellbeing: a Review
Social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) is a concept that describes a whole-of-life, relational, harmonious worldview that has guided Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities for millennia. The SEWB concept is embedded within and strengthens the broader holistic definition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. More >

Safe and nurtured

Family Matters Report 2024
The 2024 Family Matters report examines government actions to address the over-representation and the outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in child protection systems. More >

In their own right
Building a society where children are safe is everyone’s business. This guide outlines key actions for consistent and effective policy responses for children and young people experiencing violence, who are often overlooked by the systems and services meant to support their safety. More >

Watchdog calls for end to ‘adultification’ of black children by police in England and Wales
The Independent Office for Police Conduct identified adultification as a racial bias that Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities are perceived as being more ‘streetwise’, more ‘grown up’, less innocent and less vulnerable. More >

Power Up: Supporting a Positive and Safe Online Experience for Young People Aged 15-17
Power UP, an e-safety program aimed at 15-17 year olds, leverages popular AFL and AFLW players to deliver key messages about online safety. Young people want e-safety programs to include strategies to prevent, manage, and stop harmful online interactions and show how to protect themselves from any resulting mental health issues. More >