A social enterprise providing education and information to protect and enhance the mental health of young people
Sumudu Mallawaarachchi, Deakin University and Sharon Horwood, Deakin University From learning numbers to learning how to brush your teeth, it seems there’s a kids’ app for everything. Recent US statistics indicate more than half of toddlers and three-quarters of preschoolers regularly access mobile apps. So it’s no surprise there has been an explosion of options [...]
Brendan HitchensIn an increasingly complex world of pandemics, wars, political tensions and climate struggles, how can we give young people the global competencies, skills, values and knowledge to help them navigate these issues? More specifically, while forces try to divide us, what are the concepts and subjects that bring us together? And how can educators [...]
Kirsten Lambert, Murdoch University We know teachers are under a lot of pressure. Teacher shortages, growing workloads as well as the demands of a complex job mean many teachers are stressed. But my research shows parents are not helping. In fact, they are making the problem worse. Teachers are increasingly copping abuse from parents and [...]
Peggy Kern, The University of Melbourne The How to Thrive documentary, which screens in cinemas from today, follows seven people as they learn to not only survive, but thrive. The documentary aligns with “positive psychology”, which aims to provide people with the skills and resources to proactively support their mental health and wellbeing. I research [...]
Suzannah Williams, University of Oxford and Tomi Adeniran, University of Oxford Many of us have no idea whether or not our period is “normal”. It’s no wonder, since not only is everyone different, but the stigma still keeps many of us from asking questions or discussing what we go through every month with friends and [...]
Elizabeth Westrupp, Deakin University and Jade Sheen, Deakin University Throughout the pandemic, many families have struggled with fears about COVID, employment and lock-downs – all while experiencing disruption to things like school, childcare, social support services and beloved activities. It has been stressful for some, traumatic for others. So it may be no surprise to learn many children have [...]
Madeleine Ferrari, Australian Catholic University This week, year 12 students in New South Wales will begin their final exams, with students in other states soon to follow. This can be one of the most stressful times in a students’ life. It can also be very stressful for parents trying to support their children. But there [...]
Sarah Blunden, CQUniversity Australia Sleep is important for psychological and physiological health, but many children have trouble getting to sleep, or getting back to sleep when they wake in the night. This can be exhausting for both children and parents, and some parents have turned to giving their kids lollies containing melatonin. These gummies, purchased [...]
Clara Wilson, Queen's University Belfast Dogs have a long history alongside humans, giving them an amazing ability to read human cues. Dogs also possess an incredible sense of smell, which enables them to detect diseases, such as COVID and lung cancer, in humans from odour alone. Whether dogs’ capabilities extend to detecting odours associated with [...]
Over the past decade, Australians have highlighted the importance of climate change action to their future survival with movements such as Extinction Rebellion and School Strikes for Climate . Children, too, have been calling for urgent change by skipping school and taking to the streets in School Strike 4 Climate events, as well as partaking [...]
