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.
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.
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.
COVID jabs cut the risk of heart complications in kids
Vaccination has been associated with a smaller risk of rare heart conditions compared to COVID-19 infection in children, the largest study of its kind suggests.
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.