Chatbots and kids

A new study proposes a framework for “Child Safe AI” following a string of recent incidents which have raised concerns about their interactions.

Opening up

Parents can feel lost when their children are sad or distracted, so how can we encourage our children to talk about their feelings?

Helping kids catch up in the pandemic recovery

Researchers have warned that children and adolescents must not be left behind in Australia’s COVID-19 recovery plans given the negative indirect impacts of the pandemic on this age group detailed in a new brief and research review by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.

Putting children and young people first

COVID-19 has put the spotlight on older people, but as we emerge from the pandemic, we will need to refocus on the needs of younger adults and children and the environments in which they live, work and play.

Talking to your kids about coronavirus

Children worry more if they’re kept in the dark, and may fill in the blanks with their imagination or with incorrect information, so it’s important to be honest in age-appropriate ways while allaying their concerns and validating their emotions.

A better future for our children

As climate and commercial threats intensify, a major new report calls for a new global movement to reduce CO2 emissions, achieve sustainable development, regulate commercial marketing and improve policy and investment for children’s rights and health.

The kids are alright

Australian kids we are told, have too much screen time, too little exercise, too many scheduled activities and not enough risk and freedom. In reality there’s never been a better time to be a child.

Girls and boys

Society’s attitudes to gender stereotypes can prompt some tricky questions for children and parents alike.

Groundbreaking survey of childhood maltreatment underway

A $2.3 million five-year study of the prevalence and effects of child maltreatment in Australia, the most comprehensive national study of its type, is underway.

More nurse visits can help vulnerable children thrive

Increasing the number of maternal and child health nurse visits to new mothers facing adversity can significantly improve parenting and maternal wellbeing.

Understanding the importance of your child’s middle years

Far from being a quiet time, a child’s middle years – between ages eight and 12 – can be transformative but we need to do more to understand these changes to help our children adjust.

Being in nature is good for learning, here’s how to get kids off screens and outside

Contact with nature can enhance creativity, bolster mood, lower stress, improve mental acuity, well-being and productivity, cultivate social connectedness, and promote physical activity. It also has myriad educational benefits for teaching and learning.