Latest news
The news items below are from the past fortnight. News from the past 3 months can be found in the Archive section. News items are also included under each of the Topics headings.
Engaging young people in the development of a National Report Card on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
This report prepared by the Young and Well CRC and Batyr for the Mental Health Commission engaged young people to discuss their mental health and wellbeing needs and how a report card could be used to deliver programs and services. Original article
24 May 2013
Australian crime: Facts & figures: 2012
The Australian Institute of Criminology’s annual compendium of crime statistics provides an overview of crime and justice statistics, including information about crimes affecting young people, young offenders and the youth justice system. Original article
24 May 2013
Meet the millennials
Fairfax Media looks into the lives and experiences of those born at the turn of the century who are now entering adolescence. Original article
24 May 2013
The Australian Temperament Project: The first 30 years
This report published by the Australian Institute of Family Studies highlights some key learnings about human development from the Australian Temperament Project (ATP) - a groundbreaking longitudinal study that, to date, has followed a large group of Victorians from their birth to age 30 years. Original article
24 May 2013
Homelessness and the next generation
This report from Wesley Mission looks at existing studies into homelessness, as well as the experiences of those using Wesley Mission services, and focuses on the issues facing children and young people. Original article
24 May 2013
Reality & Risk: Pornography, young people and sexuality
Maree Crabbe, along with David Corlett, leads the Reality & Risk project. In this interview, Maree discusses the effects on young people to the exposure of pornography. Original article More on the Reality & Risk project
23 May 2013
WA teen exercise rates alarmingly low
Louise Naylor from University of WA's School of Sport Science Exercise and Health said she expected inactivity had worsened among teenagers since a 2008 study revealed less than 10 per cent of girls did enough exercise to maintain health. Original article
23 May 2013
Students need gambling education
Teaching students the dangers of gambling, in the same manner as alcohol, drugs and unsafe sex, is crucial with the boom in betting and easy access to online gambling. Original article
23 May 2013
Suicide can be 'contagious' among young people
A Canadian study found teenagers who had a friend who had committed suicide were five times more likely to have suicidal thoughts themselves. Original article
23 May 2013
Do training programs equip teachers with skills to teach disengaged students?
The Brotherhood of St Laurence has conducted an evaluation of re-engagement programs to determine how well teachers are able to implement them in the classroom setting. Original article
23 May 2013
Aboriginal advocates warn of youth suicide spike
More than 100 people including Indigenous leaders and government representatives attended a crisis meeting to discuss a spike in Aboriginal youth suicides. Original article
22 May 2013
Father absence in early childhood linked to depression in adolescent girls
New research from the Children of the 90s study at the University of Bristol shows that girls whose fathers were absent during the first five years of life were more likely to develop depressive symptoms in adolescence than girls whose fathers left when they were aged five to ten years or than boys in both age groups (0-5 and 5-10), even after a range of factors was taken into account. Original article
22 May 2013
Research finds early adolescent bullies and victims three times more likely to have suicidal thoughts
In a paper published in the latest issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the researchers found children who are both victims and bullies ('bully-victims'), are at highly increased risk of considering suicide, or have planned and engaged in suicidal or self-harming behaviour by 11-12 years of age. Original article
22 May 2013
Negotiating danger, risk and safety: an exploration with young people in an urban neighbourhood
The study in the UK was conducted between November 2008 and May 2011 combining ethnographic research to explore the diversity of perspectives, with intensive participatory research with girls and boys in their early-mid teen years to look in depth at the ways in which they understand and manage risks. Original article
22 May 2013
Gambling and young people in the media
The issue of gambling advertising and young people has gained prominence in the media recently. More information
22 May 2013
Insufficient sleep boosts crash risk for young people
The new findings, published in the journal JAMA Paediatrics, show that sleeping less on weekends and sleeping six hours or less per night over a sustained period are both factors that increase the chance of run-off road crashes. Original article
21 May 2013
Young South Australian women shunning regular pap smears
The number of young women undergoing the cervical cancer screening tests has been declining in SA and across the country since the introduction in 2007 of a national immunisation program offering the Gardasil vaccine free to women aged 12 to 26. Original article
21 May 2013
Disadvantaged youth saddle up for rodeo schooll
It is hoped a rodeo school in Queensland's South Burnett region will give disadvantaged youths the opportunity for future employment in the industry. Original article
21 May 2013
Investing in Aboriginal youth will pay huge dividends
Footballer Craig Foster comments on the benefits that football programs can provide to the lives of Indigenous youth and their communities. Original article
21 May 2013
DSM-5: What is it?
The latest release of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) has solicited a great deal of discussion. What is the manual, and what does it mean for identifying and managing mental health issues? More information
21 May 2013
Call for trans-Tasman summit to tackle youth gangs
ABC's Radio Australia interviews Les Twentyman, an Australian youth worker who has called for an urgent trans-Tasman summit on the subject of gangs. Original article
20 May 2013
Young people, social media, social network sites and sexual health communication in Australia
This article presents findings from six rural and urban focus groups with young people in Australia about the use of social media and SNS for sexual health communication. Original article
20 May 2013
Gaming grooms teens for gambling
A study of the gaming habits of 13 to 17-year-olds by the University of Adelaide found more than a quarter of teens have played gambling-style video games, while nearly one in 10 have played gambling games on social media, and about one in 20 had played them on mobile phones. Original article
20 May 2013
Cash to keep teens in school
Headlining an action plan for education in Tasmania will be $900,000 in funding to allow regional high and district high schools to broaden their provision of Year 11 and 12 courses. Original article
20 May 2013
YDAS Shorts
The Youth Disability Advocacy Services presents a series of short films that were created by young people with disabilities about their experiences growing up. Original article
20 May 2013
Unemployed youth mix job search with study
Statistics from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that most 15- to 19-year olds who are classified as unemployed are studying. Original article
17 May 2013
Youth reach out for mental health help online
A study by the Inspire Foundation has found that young people in distress are more likely to look for mental health help online rather than seek help from a professional. Original article
17 May 2013
Queensland out of step on age of consent laws
Age of consent laws for heterosexuals and homosexuals should be brought in line with each other in an overhaul which also focuses on age differences in prosecutions, according to Queensland's Youth Advocacy Centre. Original article
17 May 2013
AYAC reports on the Federal Budget and youth issues
The Deputy-Director of the Australian Youth Affairs Coalition was in Canberra for the release of the Government's budget. He reports on the issues that will affect young Australians. Original article
17 May 2013
Making Australian health and welfare data available
David Kalisch, Director and CEO, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, talks about the importance of making data publicly available in order for government and service delivery organisations to be more effective. Original article
17 May 2013
Australian Budget 2013: Income support
ACOSS has commented on the Federal Government's announced budget, stating that those on Newstart and other allowances are still at a disadvantage. Original article
16 May 2013
Boosted funding for Victoria’s Youthlaw Online
Funding has been secured for this free service that provides legal assistance to young people under the age of 25 across Victoria through information, support and referral. Original article
16 May 2013
Cross-cultural similarities in early adolescence
This US study looks at the differences and similarities in adolescent development across cultures. Original article
16 May 2013
Youth to benefit from bushfire funding
The first round of community projects eligible for funding from the Tasmanian Bushfire Appeal have focussed on youth. Original article
16 May 2013
Indigenous mentoring program goes global
Australian Indigenous Mentoring Excellence (AIME) has launched its Mentors 4 Life program to encourage senior students to mentor Indigenous children. Original article
15 May 2013
Where's your compassion? Generation Y and the new empathy deficit
University of Melbourne Social psychologist Dr Sara Konrath discusses intergenerational differences in empathy, and how this important social attribute seems to be diminishing in Generation Y. Original article
15 May 2013
Video: Outcomes from the Young People, Social Media and Suicide Prevention Roundtable
What are the risks, challenges and opportunities presented by social media to promoting mental health and suicide in young people? the Youth and Well CRC presents the outcomes from the Roundtable on Young People, Social Media and Suicide Prevention held on 27 February, 2013. Original article
15 May 2013
Driving Change: new initiative to unlock doors for young Aboriginal people
The Driving Change program will provide extra support to help young Aboriginal people overcome barriers to obtaining a driver licence, in an initiative to enhance opportunities for access to employment, education and health services. Original article
15 May 2013
The myth of teen violence and spiritual paths
Beth Winegarner is the creator of a forum that dissects much discussed, and often misinformed, issues of teen culture and violence to look at the real issues involved. Original article
15 May 2013
Diabetes among young Australians
Diabetes among young Australians is the first report from the National Centre for Monitoring Diabetes to explore the experiences of young people living with diabetes. It shows how young people are managing the condition, their use of health services and the diabetes-related health problems they face. Original article
14 May 2013
Teenage hackers in Australian Federal Police's sights
The Australian Federal Police has been monitoring hacking forums for tech-savvy teenagers in the hope of guiding them away from a path of crime. Original article
14 May 2013
Pictures shine a light on teenagers for whom pregnancy is barely a matter of choice
Through her moving photographic essay, a young photographer demonstrates what life is like for teenage mothers, highlighting the reasons why many young women, particularly in rural areas, see starting a family as a way of securing their own futures. Original article
14 May 2013
Youth encouraged to take up volunteering
A General Social Survey conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows that 36 per cent of the adult population volunteered in 2010, of that number, 9.4 per cent were aged 18-24. Original article
14 May 2013
School students need better health and safety education
Occupational health and safety experts at the University of Adelaide have called for a standardised approach to introductory safety education in the State's secondary schools, to better prepare students for the workplace. Original article
14 May 2013
Teenagers of Australia have a say in Mission Australia's 2013 Youth Survey
Mission Australia is calling on young people to help highlight important issues in their lives by taking part in the charity’s 2013 Youth Survey – the nation’s largest annual stocktake of the views, concerns and values of young people between the ages of 15-19. Original article
13 May 2013
Compass: Holy switch
A recent episode of the ABC's Compass program looks at what happens when six young Australians from different faiths change places for two weeks. Original article
13 May 2013
Australian Youth Forum: New discussion topic
The Australian Youth Forum (AYF) would like to hear the thoughts of young people about mental health and wellbeing. The AYF is especially interested in what works to ensure young people are supported to maintain their mental health. Original article
13 May 2013
How racial slurs are handled in school
An article in Canadian Teacher Magazine looks at effective ways of handling emotionally charged situations between students. Original article
13 May 2013
Alcohol may factor in rise of girls in detention
There has been a marked increase in the rate of girls jailed or under community-based supervision over the past 10 years, and drug and alcohol abuse has been cited as the reason for the spike. Original article
13 May 2013
Engaging young people in the development of a National Report Card on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
This report prepared by the Young and Well CRC and Batyr for the Mental Health Commission engaged young people to discuss their mental health and wellbeing needs and how a report card could be used to deliver programs and services. Original article
24 May 2013
Australian crime: Facts & figures: 2012
The Australian Institute of Criminology’s annual compendium of crime statistics provides an overview of crime and justice statistics, including information about crimes affecting young people, young offenders and the youth justice system. Original article
24 May 2013
Meet the millennials
Fairfax Media looks into the lives and experiences of those born at the turn of the century who are now entering adolescence. Original article
24 May 2013
The Australian Temperament Project: The first 30 years
This report published by the Australian Institute of Family Studies highlights some key learnings about human development from the Australian Temperament Project (ATP) - a groundbreaking longitudinal study that, to date, has followed a large group of Victorians from their birth to age 30 years. Original article
24 May 2013
Homelessness and the next generation
This report from Wesley Mission looks at existing studies into homelessness, as well as the experiences of those using Wesley Mission services, and focuses on the issues facing children and young people. Original article
24 May 2013