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.
children
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.
Dad ‘trying to protect children’ before fatal crash
A father has been denied bail after appearing in court for the first time since his three-year-old boy died following a horrific car crash with his family.
Tech giants agree to teen ban but give dark warning
The most powerful tech giants will abide by Australia's ban on children under the age of 16 despite arguing it risks undermining confidence in the rules.
Leaders urged not to mess with criminal responsibility
Changing a long-standing youth conviction principle would only lead to future criminal offending, advocates say, following the release of a review.
Israeli military carries out ‘targeted strike’ in Gaza
A drone strike on a car and shelling by tanks are among the latest reports of violence in Gaza, as protesters in Tel Aviv call for the release of all hostages.
New charges for man linked to alleged childcare abuser
A man accused of possessing child abuse material and bestiality offences has failed to keep his case hidden from the public after he was handed fresh charges.
Why tech could change Gen Alpha careers for the better
They are young, curious and ready to create careers that do not exist yet: a MythBusters TV star says the next generation of children could improve our lives.
Parents of alleged victims of monk abuse reveal shock
The loved ones of several girls allegedly sexually abused by the chief monk at their Buddhist temple have spoken to a jury in the second week of his trial.
Teen’s tears for dead baby brother after mum’s cruelty
A mother has walked free from court but will never be forgiven by her oldest son after the devastating death of his baby brother.
Bosses quit at scandal-plagued childcare giant
The top brass of one of the biggest childcare providers in Australia have resigned after a series of safety scandals.
Second double child homicide accused freed on bail
A second person accused of unlawfully killing two toddlers and injuring a third after leaving them alone minutes before fire engulfed the home will be bailed.
Better powers urged to help protect Indigenous children
Each state and territory needs an independent commissioner dedicated to Indigenous children, advocates say, urging governments to "be bold".
Head monk allegedly abused children as young as four
Multiple young children were allegedly sexually abused by a head monk at a Buddhist temple, including at Sunday school and in prayer rooms.
Social media ban could pull the plug on young artists
YouTube warns blocking young people from accessing its platform will lead to unintended consequences for online safety and hinder emerging talent.
‘He has to be somewhere’: cop’s last hope in boy search
A desperate search for a boy missing from an outback property for six days has failed to turn up fresh evidence, as defence personnel join the operation.
Parents sound alarm on major change for autistic kids
An attempt to rein in the snowballing cost of the NDIS could happen too fast and might leave some autistic children overlooked, an inquiry has been told.
Child protection systems ‘failing’ Indigenous children
More Indigenous children placed in out-of-home care should be reunited with family to improve their outcomes, says a peak body urging governments to step up.
Global leaders inspired by ‘bold’ social media ban
Australia's looming ban on social media for under 16s has won global praise at the UN, as one mother spoke of the impact social media had on her late daughter
Grieving mum asks doctors to ‘truly listen’ to parents
Doctors must trust concerned parents when they bring sick children in for help, a mother says after a coronial finding on her three-year-old daughter's death.
Kids risk life of crime if interventions lack funding
Policing is not the way out of a state's youth crime crisis, a youth advocacy group says, after data showed repeat offenders were arrested 7000 times.
Climate action vs con job: PM rebuts Trump stance at UN
The ideological divide between Australia and the US has grown wider on the world stage as leaders deliver two very different messages to the United Nations.
Ex-teacher’s alleged child abuse web searches revealed
Searches for movies depicting sexual abuse will form part of the evidence alleging a former elite private school teacher has a sexual interest in children.
Child abuse web searches may be autofill, teacher says
A former teacher can't recall searching for child abuse online but says a graphic search in his internet history may have been filled automatically.
‘Disgust, anger, grief’: mother’s rage at abuse charges
A mother is begging for answers after a childcare worker was charged with producing child abuse material but police say their cautious approach is necessary.
Kids to lose social media access but others will be OK
Social media companies will have to detect and eject under-16s from their platforms, but this does not mean all users will have their ages checked.
Big fines for breaches as childcare workers ‘drowning’
Fines will more than double for childcare breaches in one state, but a union says "drowning" educators are quitting due to low pay and intense pressure.
‘There’s no love’: state child safety inquiry begins
Two children remain unaccounted for after hundreds at one stage went missing from a state child safety department ahead of a state's child safety inquiry.
Ex-reporter in child abuse material case seeks evidence
A former TV reporter with A Current Affair is in custody while charged with more than 60 offences of transmitting child sexual abuse material.
Shift needed to help young asthmatics breathe easier
A peak body is highlighting National Asthma Awareness Week by driving a cultural shift in how asthma is treated in childhood - from relievers to preventers.