Articles

Inactivity and screen time linked to teen depression High screen time and low physical activity is a global phenomenon, with researchers finding links between poor mental health and low levels of physical activity combined with high recreational screen time in developing countries.

AEU survey: public schools rely on fundraising and teacher contributions The AEU's State of Our Schools survey for 2017 indicates that Australia’s public schools are increasingly reliant on fundraising and teachers are using their own money to provide students with some of the basics.

Nanga Mai Awards recognise NSW students, staff and schools The Nanga Mai Awards celebrate innovation, excellence and achievement in Aboriginal education within NSW public schools and school communities. The word Nanga Mai is an Eora (Sydney) word meaning to dream.

Study shows one in two kids hide risky online behaviour from parents According to a survey conducted by Kaspersky Lab and the iconKids & Youth agency, almost half of children (44%) hide potentially dangerous online activity from their parents. The older the child, the more he or she hides. 

ISCA write to parliament over funding concerns The Independent Schools Council of Australia has written a letter to all members of the Australian Parliament to express concerns about the prospect of sudden and untimely changes to federal government funding arrangements for schools.

Saffron a potential treatment for adolescent depression Murdoch University researchers are investigating whether the spice saffron could be used to treat depression and anxiety in adolescents. They are looking for adolescents suffering from moodiness or mild anxiety to participate in the trial.

High quality early education could help close the gap Australian early childhood education and care programs offer good quality care and emotional support, but more high quality teaching through play is required, according to new research from the University of Melbourne.

Current curriculum not preparing school leavers for adulthood The latest report by Mitchell Institute at Victoria University finds school leavers are not graduating with the skills they need to become capable, successful adults. Schools need to broaden learning objectives.

Independent, Catholic schools back copyright reform ISCA and NCEC welcome plans to update copyright laws, but have expressed disappointment that Australian schools will continue to be exposed to dangers because the proposed changes to “safe harbour” provisions have been abandoned.

New Independent Office in VIC to resolve school disputes Victorian families will have access to an Independent Office responsible for resolving the most complex and difficult school disputes with the aim to achieve a shared agreement.

PAI: Social and emotional learning key to effective discipline solutions Students experiencing mental health problems are less likely to engage with school work whereas students who are mentally healthy experience less emotional, social or behavioural difficulties.

More help needed in stamping out bullying Children who are bullied need support, yet recently published research from University of South Australia (UniSA) shows disappointing outcomes for anti-bullying strategies, meaning help for vulnerable children is often not there.