Childcare worker used kids to make sex abuse material
A failed police officer who was moonlighting as a childcare worker has admitted taking explicit images of children as young as four while in his care.
children
One mum’s baby bundles become life-changing charity
A pack of newborn clothes posted online and a conversation with a social worker were the beginnings of a charity focused on Indigenous mums and their babies.
Social media ban hailed a success despite workarounds
The prime minister says his under-16s social media ban belongs in the pantheon of world-leading Australian innovations like the secret ballot.
Jumping castle inquest ‘open to different findings’
A coroners court has provided a significant update on preparations for an inquest into the deaths of six primary school children in a jumping castle accident.
‘Obscene’ rates of Indigenous child removals persist
Indigenous children continue to be removed from family at 'obscene' rates, as advocates urge an overhaul of how child protection is approached.
New federal body, ministry proposed to protect kids
An inquiry has heard that greater federal oversight is necessary to stop child predators from exploiting gaps in Australia's childcare sector.
‘Harrowing’ failures to track down horrific pedophile
Australia's worst pedophile should have been stopped long before he was finally caught and sentenced to life in prison, a review has found.
More victims identified in childcare sexual abuse probe
Accused former childcare sexual abuser Joshua Brown is facing dozens of additional charges after authorities identified a further four alleged victims.
Author horrified toddler taboo book seen as pedophilic
A Christian charity executive was shocked her book Daddy's Little Toy about an adult role-playing as a toddler was seen as pedophilic, a court has been told.
Law change for ‘horror’ car thefts with kids inside
Stealing a car with a young child inside will be classified as a carjacking under state "adult time for violent crime" laws set to be rammed through parliament.
State moves to ban unnecessary intersex child surgery
Unnecessary procedures on intersex children will be prohibited under laws to be introduced by one Australian state in a move hailed by advocates.
YouTube ‘outright weird’ for saying platform isn’t safe
YouTube needs to fix its safety after the tech giant criticised Australia's world-leading laws protecting kids, the communications minister says.
Action urged as ‘bad systems’ violate children’s rights
'Tough on crime' measures are pushing problems down the road, advocates say as a report into youth justice reveals children's rights are being violated.
Family pain as mum jailed for ‘suitcase murder’ of kids
Close relatives of a woman jailed for murdering her children and hiding their bodies in suitcases told a New Zealand court of their deep pain at the tragedy.
‘Grandiose fantasies’ consumed killer taekwondo teacher
A taekwondo instructor taken by "grandiose fantasies" before murdering a family of three has been forced to confront the pain of his victim's loved ones.
Tears in court as killer driver faces toddler’s family
There were emotional scenes in a packed courtroom as Kamal Ghali admitted dangerous driving causing three-year-old Mila Wang's death when he ran a red light.
Ready or not, social media ban demands a family plan
Australia's world-first social media ban for children under 16 is imminent but the details of its rollout and enforcement remain fuzzy.
‘Inconvenient’ childcare close times to keep kids safe
Childcare centres will close early every couple of months for staff to undergo mandatory training in a bid to provide a safer environment for kids.
Roblox reforms over ‘playground for pedophiles’ concern
Australian authorities demanded changes from a major US gaming platform over concerns it was being used to groom and exploit children.
‘Getting worse’: inquiry’s chilling child abuse warning
Australia's most senior police admit they have been powerless to stop a massive increase in child exploitation, conceding the abuse is getting worse.
Snap decision: another social app issues age warnings
Snapchat is the latest social media app to issue warnings to young Australian users and will ask thousands of people to verify their age.
Backlash as premier vows longer jail time for kids
Children as young as 14 face the possibility of life in prison for committing violent crimes under state laws that have sparked widespread backlash.
Life sentences under ‘adult time’ laws for youth crims
Victoria has become the second Australian state to move to sentencing children as adults for serious crimes.
‘Whatever it takes’: Labor’s youth crime political fix
Tougher consequences for violent youth offenders pave the way for a long-time state government to return to more comfortable turf come election time.
Dangers of adult dating sites for children revealed
Children using adult dating sites have admitted to sexting and dangerous sexual encounters, with warnings that more are signing up to explore risky behaviour.
One million pushed to brink amid child poverty crisis
Advocates are renewing calls for Australia to adopt a nationally-agreed definition of child poverty, as concerning data shows almost one million are struggling.
Possible bullying motive for Indonesian school attack
Authorities have identified a 17-year-old boy as the suspect in a mosque attack at a Jakarta high school and are looking into a possible bullying motive.
Landmark puberty block ban reinstated by government
A transgender teen's mother is set to discuss legal options after a state government reinstated a puberty blocker ban soon after it was overturned in court.
Authority on notice after year 12 exam subject gaffe
An "extremely traumatic" year 12 test subject mix-up has sparked a state government investigation with the curriculum authority coming under the spotlight.
Abuse claims surge against childcare, pre-school staff
Allegations of abuse and misconduct involving childcare workers and early educators are on the rise, a watchdog warns.
Roblox escapes under-16s social media ban for now
The list of sites captured under Australia's social media ban for under-16s has been expanded, but a popular gaming platform remains exempt.