Adolescence is a critical developmental period characterised by rapid physical, cognitive and psychosocial changes that are often accompanied by declines in social and emotional wellbeing. This paper argues for an approach to promoting adolescents’ wellbeing tailored specifically to boys and girls and presents a cross-national analysis of social and emotional outcomes among adolescent girls and...

This report analyses the 2024 Australian Early Development Census results, showing increased levels of developmental vulnerability in Australian children. There is also a continued trend of worrying levels of developmental vulnerability amongst children living in the most disadvantaged areas. It finds that without targeted strategies, educational inequity will deepen, not narrow.

This report examines the early home environment of Australian children who became young carers, to what extent caring activities limit young people’s cognitive and psycho-social outcomes, and what explains the gaps between the developmental outcomes of young carers compared to their peers. It finds that caring does impair academic achievement of these young people.

The Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) is a national measure of children’s development as they enter their first year of full-time school. The AEDC reveals trends in early childhood development. It can indicate what is working well to support children, and where opportunities exist to take further action.

This report examines the psychological impact of climate change education on primary age children, arguing that the current approach is cognitively inappropriate and ethically questionable. It calls for a shift toward developmentally appropriate, psychologically safe and empowering environmental education. The report provides recommendations for policy and practice.