As a psychologist, I've been inundated with emails about the treatment of women — but not the ones you might expect. For the past few weeks, while Australian society has been wading through a pivotal cultural moment that will hopefully define its treatment of women going forward, I've been receiving a torrent of emails.
But not the emails you might expect. As a men's mental health specialist, you might think (or hope) that I'd be receiving an influx of men reaching out to seek guidance on the best way to navigate this period or wanting to reflect and better understand their past behaviours and how they can act differently in future. Surprisingly, these emails have largely been coming from parents — mothers and fathers alike — who are worried about the wellbeing of their boys. They are worried that their sons are all being painted as violent, sexual predators and will be "fed to the wolves" for just being a man.
My response to all of these questions, whether they be on a webinar, email or in therapy itself, is always along these lines: Bike restoration program getting young people on track for future careers. Like many teenagers, Mason Burr loves to ride his bike.
Key points: The Bike Collective program teaches students how to restore broken bikes, and builds social skills such as reliability and resilienceIts success in the outer Hobart suburb of Risdon Vale has seen the program expanded to the southern town of HuonvilleThe team behind the Bike Collective wants it to expand across Tasmania His enjoyment has increased as he has learnt how to better look after it, through the Risdon Vale Bike Collective. "Now if I find myself broken down on the spot I can fix my bike up and find a temporary fix for it," he said. "I learned all my skills about fixing bikes and realised the inner workings of my bike. " Along the way, the program has also taught him skills with broader benefits. Playing chess improves children's capacity to take calculated risks, study finds. It's lunch break at a regional New South Wales school and the library is buzzing with excited students.
Key points: Chess is increasing in popularity among school students and experts say there are many benefitsA university study finds playing chess regularly makes children less risk-averse, through exposure to calculated risk-takingThe study's authors say the ability to evaluate risks is a skill that will help children in life Rows of chess boards are out and young minds are ticking.
It's been known as 'the game of kings', but chess has evolved to enjoy a much more modern following and become increasingly popular among Australian schoolchildren. Queensland school's Indigenous language program proves popular, with surprising results. An award-winning language program is seeing surprising results in enrolment, education and behaviour at a Far North Queensland school.
Kuku Yalanji man Juan Walker normally runs tours about history and cultural practices around the Mossman and Daintree region. In recent times he has turned his hand to teaching at Mossman State School, north of Cairns. On the day The Drum visits, a year six Kuku Yalanji language class is in full swing. "What do you call the sea? " Mr Walker asks the students. The response is shouted out in unison: ADHD report highlights financial burden, challenges at school for kids and families. A report revealing the "huge financial cost" of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in Australia is calling for more resources and funding for parents who are struggling with the challenges of supporting their children.
ADHD is a neurobiological condition that can affect a person's ability to pay attention or control impulsive behaviour. For some kids, that can present as risky or disruptive behaviour. Researchers return to find out fate of children involved in landmark FASD study. Ten years after a groundbreaking study revealed record-high rates of FASD in outback Australia, researchers have returned to the Kimberley to see how the children are coping in adulthood.
Key points: A 2009 study was one of the first in Australia to provide firm figures around the rates of children impaired by their mother's drinking during pregnancyThere are concerns support is still limited for families living with FASD in regional and remote areasThe 10-year follow-up study will look at the long-term impacts of FASD, and gaps in services and supports. Greater Shepparton College plagued by 'systemic racism' and bullying culture, review finds. One of Victoria's largest schools is "a picture of systemic racism and cultural exclusion", according to a damning review into its culture.
Key points: The report identified a lack of cultural awareness among teaching staffOnly three of 300 staff had trained to help students who speak English as an additional languageThe Education Department is now consulting cultural groups to determine what action is needed An independent report into Greater Shepparton Secondary College has found a high number of racist incidents by teachers towards students and a culture where staff are reluctant to report racist behaviour for fear of being bullied by other teachers. The report, which was commissioned by the Department of Education after concerns were raised about race-related problems at the school, has been kept under wraps since it was delivered in November, but a copy has been obtained by the ABC. Among other findings, the report said there had been: More than half are Aboriginal. NSW school principals in crisis meeting after petition detailed thousands of alleged sexual assaults.
More than 100 private school principals have convened for a crisis meeting following a petition detailing thousands of alleged sexual assaults against former students.
Key points: NSW Police's sex crimes boss answered questions at the crisis meetingA petition started by Chanel Contos has 27,338 signaturesSome women wrote they had been forced to perform sexual acts Former Kambala student Chanel Contos started the petition last month, because she was "sick of constantly hearing my friends' experience of sexual abuse".
Ms Contos has called for a bigger focus on consent in sexual education, for consent to be taught from a younger age and education to be focused on single-sex private schools. During an online webinar today, NSW Police Sex Crimes Squad boss Stacey Maloney responded to questions from the heads of the Catholic, independent and government schools across the state about sexual violence. AISNSW chief executive Geoff Newcombe said it was powerful having Ms Maloney attend. Key points: Nutritionists call for healthy lunch program to be rolled out in schools across Australia. If you were able to sneak veggies and wholefoods into your child's lunchbox, would they eat it over the standard packed Aussie lunch?
One nutritionist thinks so, and she also thinks it might be cheaper. Some research shows 40 per cent of food children eat is considered junkNutritionists are calling for a healthy lunch program to be rolled out nationwideA Darwin childcare centre says children have shown improved behaviour since it began a health program A Flinders University survey found 40 per cent of the food school children eat is junk food, such as cakes, chips and biscuits Instead of breaking the bank on superfoods or spending precious time slaving away in the kitchen, paediatric nutritionist Mandy Sacher wants people to go back to basics and avoid the usual pre-packaged school snacks. Should financial literacy be a compulsory subject in schools? These experts think so. Should financial literacy be a compulsory subject in schools?
It's a straightforward question with a contentious history and no consensus on an answer. Yet as states and territories begin to phase out school banking programs (think Dollarmites), some experts are saying there needs to be a dedicated model to teach our youth just how to handle their money. English, science ... personal finance? For Jai and Marlies Hobbs, the problem is clear: Australians, particularly kids, don't understand the fundamentals of money. Jai is a mortgage broker and Marlies is a former property development lawyer. Together, they have started and run multiple businesses and have two kids. Their experience has taught them a couple of things. "People didn't really understand the ramifications of their decisions," Jai said of the clients he was seeing. Canberra Dungeons and Dragons business helping children with autism improve their social skills and make friends.
This year, for the first time, George Blyth will have kids to invite to his birthday party. The primary school student has autism and has made a special group of mates playing a modified version of Dungeons and Dragons. The game is run by a Canberra social inclusion role-play business called Dice 4 Diversity, which is helping kids with diverse needs improve their conversation and social skills.
"He looks forward to it, it's the highlight of his week," his mum Jenelle said. Rockhampton's Hayley Doyle urges struggling students to seek support, stay in school. Hayley Doyle hated school. While her peers attended class and completed their homework, the Ghungalu and Mununjali student counted down the days until she could leave. The self-confessed troublemaker planned to drop out after year 10 but a traineeship changed her mind.
As students across Australia head back to the classroom, the 21-year-old wants to remind young people support is always available and they can achieve anything they put their minds to. "I wasn't interested in being at school," Ms Doyle said. "I was getting myself suspended over fighting and getting detentions and things like that. "I used to think that being a bully and bringing down other people made me look super cool and everyone wanted to be my friend. " On the cusp of leaving, the North Rockhampton High student was given the opportunity to complete a school-based traineeship. Canberra mother doubts Brindabella Christian College will change after 'wrongfully' excluding her boys. The mother of two boys who were removed from an independent Canberra school's enrolment list after she made a complaint, says she is doubtful Brindabella Christian College (BCC) will change, despite the Human Rights Commission finding it was wrong for them to punish her sons.
Key points: The ACT Human Rights Commission found Brindabella Christian College was wrong to exclude two boys after it had a falling out with their motherThe boys were told they were not welcome at the school after their mother made complaints about how the school was being runThe mother, Jodie Jayatilaka, welcomed the findings, but says she is doubtful the school will cooperate with her in future Jodie Jayatilaka complained about the college's operations after her daughter, who as school captain made reference to staff turmoil and its impact on students in a speech, was criticised by the school's board. Smith Family Learning Clubs helping Western Sydney kids catch up on curriculum - ABC News. Getting a child to school can be a daily battle for many parents, but it's not one that Amanda* is familiar with. Key points: The Smith Family's Learning Club that Caleb attends is one of 332 around the countryVolunteer tutors work one-on-one with children to help them catch up on the curriculumCharlie Hoffman said he "wanted to take the the skills" learnt tutoring private school kids and benefit those less fortunate Every morning, her son Caleb is the one pushing her out of the house.
"He's constantly asking, 'Mummy, is it time to go'," she said. Attendance in Tasmanian schools improves off the back of free hot daily meals - ABC News. A Tasmanian principal has credited leaving the lunchbox at home with better school attendance and behaviour. One student's attendance improved by 80 per cent when given free school mealsThe food is nutritious and costs around $4 per mealThe children liked the variety, the fact it was hot and that they could eat together In a recent trial, hundreds of students at three Tasmanian schools were invited to a hot sit-down meal every day for four weeks.
Warrane Primary School acting principal Sarah Hoban said attendance was the first notable improvement. "It has specifically increased with some children who have very low attendance," she said. "For example, we have one student who had attended less than 20 days previous to the lunch program … and then the four weeks, [he came] every single day, all day. "His attendance has improved about 80 per cent. "We've seen a lot more student engagement in the classrooms, a lot more attention, focus and drive with their learning. " Leaked NT Government report reveals funding inequality at Aboriginal homelands schools - ABC News. An internal review of the Northern Territory's Aboriginal homelands schools has found funding inequalities and a lack of government support.
Key points: School engagement in NT Indigenous communities lower than published figures show - ABC News. Only one in seven students in the NT's remote Indigenous communities and homelands attended government schools on most days of the week in 2019, new data reveals. Fights, classroom violence and suspensions have dropped 'dramatically' at this primary school — here's how they did it - ABC News. Closing Australia’s education divide will take a generation, landmark study finds - ABC News. New research reveals the hidden danger of sweltering heat at Western Sydney schools. Updated about an hour agoSun 18 Oct 2020, 11:12pm. With Australian families under mounting pressure, some schoolkids will struggle more than others - ABC News. Schoolkids, to put it mildly, have had a tough year.
Most have spent at least part of 2020 learning from home. Humanities degrees set to double in price as Senate passes higher education bill - ABC News. The Senate has passed contentious laws that will dramatically increase the cost of some university degrees, while cutting the cost of others. Under the changes, the cost of a social sciences degree will more than double, while nursing, mathematics and teaching degrees will become cheaper. The laws also remove government support for students who fail too many courses. Coronavirus kept Victorian students out of class. This is what we know about long-term effects of school closures - ABC News. How one school program turned Zachary's life around - ABC News. Money and kids: Learning the basics at a (very) early age - ABC News. NSW Labor proposal could see domestic violence perpetrators jailed for up to ten years for coercive control - ABC News.
Queensland schools with low student numbers get by on grants and enthusiasm - ABC News. Tutors in demand after homeschooling reveals gaps in kids' learning - ABC News. Meet the school principal who has never expelled or suspended a student - ABC News. 'Slow death' of ATAR as school leavers head for jobs 'cliff' - ABC News. How to listen and learn from Indigenous children in order to help them - ABC News. Why I can't be angry with my teenager for swearing (artfully) - ABC News. In My Blood It Runs documentary addresses Indigenous youth detention and the ongoing removal of children - ABC News. A 'free' public school education can cost $1,300 a year — and it's getting harder for parents to say no. Opinion By Saman Shad Updated about 4 hours agoTue 19 Mar 2019, 8:15pm The start of the year is an expensive time for most parents — there are new school shoes to buy, stationery list items to tick off, and uniforms to replace with the next size up.
Coronavirus has killed relatively few Australians. What else is killing us, and how can we stop it? - ABC News. An arts degree has long been the butt of predictable joke but there's another side - ABC News. The dog fight over school funding that went all the way to the High Court - ABC News. When coronavirus forced me to home-school my daughter, learning through play was the answer we both needed. Opinion. Parents reflect on homeschooling as teachers voice fears about schools during coronavirus pandemic. Exclusive by education and parenting reporter Conor Duffy and the Specialist Reporting Team's Lucy Kent. As coronavirus forces more families into remote learning, this retired teacher wants to help. Learning from home during coronavirus is a new challenge. So how are parents organising the school day? Migrant parents in Australia face challenges posed by home learning model amid coronavirus pandemic. Parents finding it tough to teach kids at home during coronavirus pandemic.
New WA school for dyslexia Havenport MSL College offers hope for children. Out of the ashes, rises the phoenix: Westfield Park Primary School's stunning transformation. Coronavirus is forcing school closures worldwide, but here's how a Beijing school got online in one week. As volunteers become harder to attract, school fundraising fatigue is biting parents and teachers.
Sexual harassment in the playground called out on Q+A during episode focussed on education. Are Australian students receiving the school education they deserve? Findlay has dyslexia. This is what she wants you to know about kids like her. Refugee children succeed at school with specialist tutoring from teachers who understand their trauma. Tasmanian mother of children with autism faces continuing ban from school grounds. Homeschooling is on the rise and for children like Ayla Staer it has helped end a 'vicious cycle' In My Blood It Runs documentary exposes how education system is failing Aboriginal children. One-third of Tasmanian state schools face cuts amid new needs-based disability funding model. Bush kinder wants to teach kids the endangered art of climbing a tree. What can parents do to help their child's teacher? A 'recovering' teacher's term one wishlist. Kids advise kids on how to cope with the first day back at school.
Hands-on children's exhibit explores the power of role-playing fire and rescue. Surviving the start of high school: Dr Kaylene Henderson's top tips for students and parents. We love to criticise the United States, but guess what? Their public schools are better than ours. Grannies and Pops program helps kids and aged care residents form deep, educational bonds. ATARs measure privilege, not academic merit, and it starts in kindergarten. Margaret Hendry School's first year has been all about flipping the classroom on its head. At the core of this Bathurst school is love and the students say it is giving them a chance. The epic failure at the root of Australia's maths problem. The top ranking education systems in the world aren't there by accident. Here's how Australia can climb up.
Sleep-deprived Australian teenagers struggling, study finds. Charles Darwin University props up loss-making private colleges interstate. Victorian families brace for overhaul as public school options 'severely diminished' Ice Cream the award-winning hen providing therapy for special needs students. More than $500k in compensation paid to school students assaulted and bullied by teachers. Hugs replaced with high fives in sexual consent course for kids. Canberra-based charity Global School Partners empowering students in Kenya through education. Former Queensland treasurer denies Entsch's claim he pledged funds to boarding school forced to close. Entrepreneurs push for schools to provide better job-skills preparation. Our school funding system is unfair and holding Australia back. Here's how to fix it - RN. University cheating crackdown could result in fines for helpful friends and family. Developmental delays in premature babies may last to school age, study shows.
Reading wars rage again as Australian Government pushes to introduce phonics test. A gaming disorder 'took over Matthew's life' — but this course is helping him take back control. Mobile phones to be banned in Victoria state schools from 'first to last bell' Public schooling in Australia attracts $1 billion bill in fees for parents despite 'voluntary' status. Melbourne Theatre Company tour takes mainstage theatre to young people in regional Victoria and Tasmania. When schoolkids lock their mobile phones away in pouches for the day, amazing things happen. Yakka Munga station blockaded by protesters in fight to protect Kimberley land. Indigenous students learn traditional languages, but one future leader says it'd be too hard to teach nationwide. Language education: Executives of tomorrow encouraged to learn second language at school today. Australia urged to commit to girls' education in the Solomons as report reveals high dropout rate.
More music needed in classrooms after 20-year decline, educator Dr Anita Collins says. NAPLAN computer glitches leave 40,000 WA school students unable to complete tests online. Catholic school model paid for by taxpayers includes motivational coaches, but no exams. Eaton rallies around teacher stood down for restraining 14-year-old boy amid schoolyard brawl. Universities ignoring own English standards to admit more high-paying international students. 'You can't just write ScoMo': Learning club making a difference for children and tutors. Bullied and harassed teachers a significant problem in Australian schools, report finds. A 'free' public school education can cost $1,300 a year — and it's getting harder for parents to say no. Alice Springs at-risk students to return to school after moving for planned Indigenous art gallery. Parents furious at NSW Government plan to slash enrolments based on buildings not students.
No help for Territory schoolboy with complex disorders from NDIS or NT Education Department.