Civics
Aussie teens fight Government over climate change
civicsMelbourne teen Anjali Sharma is leading a landmark Federal Court class action lawsuit by eight young Australians to stop projects like the proposed Vickery coal mine extension in NSW
Jane’s V the sign of a little victory for science
newsThe first COVID-19 vaccination to be given in Australia was big news and though the photo opportunity didn’t quite go to plan, a V for Vaccine could be taken to mean a V for Victory after all
Australia’s ‘word of the decade’ revealed
humanitiesA phrase that was widely used in 2016 when Donald Trump first became US President has been crowned the “word of the decade”, outperforming “Karen”, the people’s choice winner last year
Latest
Farewell Sir Tom, inspiration to millions
Captain Sir Tom Moore, the UK World War II veteran who walked up and down his garden to raise money for health care workers, has died after testing positive for COVID-19. He was 100
New name revealed for Coon cheese
Favourite Australian cheese brand Coon will be renamed Cheer after concerns the old name has a racist meaning
US election, coronavirus top 2020 Google searches
It has been a year dominated by crises, from bushfires to coronavirus, yet neither were the most Google-searched terms in Australia. Instead, ‘US election’ was the most searched-for term
‘Iso’ declared Australia’s word of the year
The Australian National Dictionary Centre has named ‘iso’ — slang for self-isolation — as the word of 2020 from both a year and a shortlist of words dominated by the coronavirus pandemic
New names for Red Skins and Chicos lollies
Red Skins will be renamed Red Ripper and Chicos will become Cheekies as Nestle scraps the old names over fears they are offensive
New push to change Australian anthem lyrics
The NSW Premier has called for a change to the lyrics of the national anthem to better acknowledge Australia’s proud Indigenous history but some say it’s not enough of a change
World unites for Remembrance Day
Millions will fall silent tomorrow for Remembrance Day to commemorate those who fought and died in World War I
Biden claims victory in US election
Joe Biden has defeated President Donald Trump to become the 46th president of the United States, saying he wants to unify the country
US election: How does it work? What could happen?
This year’s presidential election is one of the most watched in US election history – regardless of whether Donald Trump or Joe Biden is the winner. Here’s a guide to what will and could happen
Relishing a delicious double-doughnut dinner
There were joyous scenes as Melburnians ate out at their favourite restaurants and cafes again after the long lockdown. Mark Knight could easily imagine what the Premier would order
World Lego honour for Aussie schoolboy
Jack Berne is the boy who made news after launching fundraiser A fiver for a Farmer. Now, the 12 year old has been picked to contribute to a global Lego project called Rebuild the World
Australia agrees to new rules for the Moon
Eight countries have agreed to NASA’s new set of Moon rules — banning fighting and littering — based on the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, by which celestial bodies can’t be owned by one country
Finding a positive message in uncertain times
When the Treasurer delivered the Federal Budget this week it wasn’t hard to imagine the coronavirus as a big steel wrecking ball. Perhaps the best thing to do is Keep Calm and Carry On
How giving a little makes a big difference
Australians have a strong tradition of donating to important causes, from bushfire recovery to emergency services that keep us safe. And there are lots of ways kids can pitch in
The day the flag was missing from the big game
What a thrill to see this year’s big AFL Dreamtime game between the Bombers and the Tigers played in Darwin. But what a shock that the Aboriginal flag — an important symbol — was missing
Game on in the US presidential election
In his weekly series, award-winning cartoonist Mark Knight explains why he drew Donald Trump in a baseball match against his US presidential challengers
Kids urged to get real on fake news
You might have heard US President Donald Trump use these words, but what exactly is fake news and how do you spot it?
Do you recognise this face?
Most Australians will have seen her face but few would know the remarkable story of Mary Reibey and how she came to be on our $20 banknote
Kids helping kids with One=One campaign
In rural and remote Australia, one in four kids comes to school without breakfast or lunch. To help, Kids News is supporting One=One, which means $1 raised provides one meal
NASA to drop harmful space nicknames
The US space agency will stop using the nicknames of some cosmic objects — such as NGC 2392, the “Eskimo Nebula” — in an effort to address discrimination and inequality
Tough battle ahead for state of disaster
In a cartoon, using a visual metaphor can help describe another issue we may not have much understanding about. But just like with bushfires, if Australians band together, we can beat this
‘Karen’s’ mask fight not just about her rights
Like a school essay, a cartoon is a way to compare and contrast two sides to an issue. In this case it’s about someone demanding their rights but forgetting their responsibilities to the vulnerable
Debate over new Australian logo with no roo
A new logo developed to promote Australia to the world has been criticised as confusing by advertising experts who say the wattle design looks more like a luxury perfume label
How you can help stop a bully
You might not have been bullied but chances are you’ve seen it happen to one of your classmates. Experts say bystanders make a choice to be part of the problem or part of the solution
Teens making music about COVID-19
June 20 is World Refugee Day. Kids News shares a film by a teenager at Bidi Bidi refugee camp in Uganda about young people making music to help stop the spread of COVID-19
Around an Aussie campfire of statues
Mark Knight explains the issues behind the cartoon of two Aussies sitting by this particular campfire and wonders how Australia will react to this period of self-examination
Cartoons are not always meant to make you laugh
Sometimes cartoonists have to cover serious issues, such as war, famine, injustice and even death, about which it’s not appropriate or possible to make people laugh. This was one of those times
Why are there big protests around the world?
Protests — some peaceful and some violent — continue across the US and elsewhere around the world over police treatment of black people. Kids News explains why people are protesting
Dear Australia: memories of the nation in isolation
Australians are being invited to record their coronavirus experiences for future generations in a new campaign by the country’s postal service
Coughing over the health of Australia’s piggy bank
When Mark Knight tuned in to watch Treasurer Josh Frydenberg talk about the economy in federal parliament, he saw him coughing uncontrollably. What was the cause?
PM’s cabinet chat becomes a stop-work meeting
In his weekly series, award-winning cartoonist Mark Knight explores the PM’s National Cabinet meeting where one leader is pulling out all the stops to protect his citizens from coronavirus
Exploring the 250th anniversary of Cook’s arrival
Wednesday, April 29, 2020 marks the 250th anniversary of James Cook’s arrival at Botany Bay. We explore why Cook came to Australia and why some celebrate and some lament this day
Anzac Day explainer: the dawn of the legend
Each year on April 25 we commemorate Anzac Day. Kids News explains how the day began, what it means, how it is observed and how this year’s Anzac Day will be different
Home learning enough to make parents scream
In his weekly series, award-winning cartoonist Mark Knight explores how parents are coping — or not — with the need to support their children’s education from home
Breaking the rules is no laughing matter
In his weekly series, award-winning cartoonist Mark Knight explains why it’s impossible to laugh off the foolish behaviour of beachgoers who break social distancing rules
Outside gatherings cut to two to slow Covid-19
Sunday update: Prime Minister Scott Morrison has limited outside gatherings to just two people and encouraged the elderly to not leave home as the nation continues to try and slow the spread of the coronavirus
Leaders have different schools of thought
In his weekly series, award-winning cartoonist Mark Knight explains why he drew the Prime Minister and two state leaders as musicians playing to a different beat on schools closures
Shutdowns across Australia to slow Covid-19
PM Scott Morrison has urged Australians to take social distancing seriously as he announced tough restrictions on how we live and closed non-essential businesses to slow the spread of coronavirus
Aussies want mass light salute on Anzac Day
A proposal to replace cancelled Anzac Day services with a massive nationwide “light salute” from the safety of Australians’ driveways is attracting huge support
Ban on indoor gatherings to limit spread of Covid-19
For the first time in history, Australians are being told not to travel overseas and indoor gatherings of more than 100 people are banned in an effort to keep people safe from COVID-19
Footy legend learns of his grandfather’s great escape
AFL legend Tom Harley grew up hearing bits of the story of his grandfather’s WWII escape. Now, for the first time, he’s learning the full details of an extraordinary adventure that is barely known
Generation Equality for International Women’s Day
Half a billion women around the world can’t read and write — that’s just one of the important topics people are talking about this week to mark International Women’s Day
Boy’s traditional hairstyle banned by school
A Queensland boy could be being discriminated against on the basis of race because he has been told to cut his long hair for school, even though he wears it tied in a bun
Being kind online for Safer Internet Day
How can kids be safe and kind online? Treat others and look after yourself online just as you would in real life, says KidsHelpline counsellor Hannah
Impeachment: Trump not guilty on both charges
US President Donald Trump has been acquitted of the charges of abusing his power and obstructing Congress, paving the way for his campaign for re-election
WHO names coronavirus COVID-19
The World Health Organisation now officially has a name for the coronavirus that has infected more than 40,000 people around the world
What we searched for on Google 2010-2020
This year’s bushfires prompted a bigger spike in Australian Google search queries than any other news event this decade, with floods and Cyclone Yasi also making the top-topics list
First-ever global rule book for the internet
World Wide Web inventor Sir Tim Berners-Lee has released the first-ever global internet rule book designed to protect people’s rights and help everyone make the internet a better place
National gun amnesty to keep us safe
Australian firearm owners will be able to hand in guns with no questions asked next year as part of a national gun amnesty designed to keep us safe and weapons away from criminals
Banning dogs makes Aussies barking mad
In our weekly series, award-winning cartoonist Mark Knight explains why banning dogs in Aussie pubs and bars is a backward step and a chance to draw a bar full of dogs to make his point
World’s scientists unite on climate
More than 11,000 scientists have signed a declaration warning of a climate emergency and offered six clear measures they believe could avoid “untold human suffering”
End of an era as Uluru climb closes
Parks Australia plans to start dismantling the world famous Uluru climb two days after it closes on October 26, despite pressure to reconsider the climbing ban
Media unites in fight against secrecy
Australia’s major media organisations have taken the unprecedented step of uniting to fight for press freedoms and the public’s right to know what’s going on in this country
Sweet dreams and a good night’s sleep in a carpark
One man’s big plan to help Australia’s homeless people have a good night’s sleep is a step closer to becoming a reality after a trial turned an empty carpark into pop-up accommodation
Protesting extinction is as old as the dinosaurs
In our weekly series, award-winning cartoonist Mark Knight looks at the Extinction Rebellion protests in Australia and around the world and wonders what the dinosaurs would have thought
PM promises Australia will help US land on Mars
During an official state visit with US President Donald Trump, PM Scott Morrison has revealed our new national space agency will help NASA in its mission to land on the moon and Mars
World’s biggest war memorial turns 100
It’s 100 years this week since returned World War I soldiers starting chipping away at the cliffs with picks and shovels to create Australia’s incredible Great Ocean Road
Aussie boy youngest to speak at UN
A 12-year-old Australian boy has become the youngest person to speak at the United Nations, demanding Australia stop putting children as young as 10 in jail
Boris rocks to a new anthem on Brexit
In our weekly series, award-winning cartoonist Mark Knight reveals why he drew British PM Boris Johnson as a punk rocker to help explain Brexit and whether the UK should stay or go
Indonesia to relocate capital city from Jakarta
President Joko Widodo has announced plans to move Indonesia’s capital city from overcrowded, sinking and polluted Jakarta to Borneo island, known for rainforests and orang-utans
Cook’s Endeavour a vehicle for reflection
Captain James Cook’s arrival in Australia will be commemorated in a major project exploring the lasting impact it had on First Peoples, with hopes it could promote reconciliation
Fight to free Aboriginal flag from restrictions
Australian Olympic gold medallist Nova Peris is leading the fight against a clothing company that bought the copyright to the Aboriginal flag from the artist who designed it
Why Barnaby Joyce crying poor was a bit rich
In our weekly series, award-winning cartoonist Mark Knight looks at why Barnaby Joyce crying poor over having to support two families was a bit rich and a cartoonist’s dream
Three pink seesaws unite children across divide
Children and their parents on either side of a high fence at the US-Mexico border are playing and having fun together on three bright pink seesaws
Historic Dog on the Tuckerbox statue damaged
UPDATED A little bronze statue of a loyal dog has been damaged, upsetting locals who regard it as an icon of Australia’s pioneering heritage. We look at the history of the Dog on the Tuckerbox
Outdoor smoking ban a first for a major CBD
North Sydney Council has decided to ban smoking outdoors in its CBD, a move it said is about “nonsmokers claiming back the streets”. The ban has overwhelming public support
Goodes film on racism sparks strong emotions
Former AFL footballer Adam Goodes’ documentary, in which he addressed bullying and racism he faced while playing, has led to expressions of strong emotion and support for the Swans star
Families in feud about footies over fence
A man and woman “annoyed” at finding their neighbours’ kids’ footballs in their backyard have begun legal action, claiming the children have ruined their “enjoyment” of their Perth home
City bans big pig from walking streets
Grunt is a local star but that hasn’t stopped the council from banning the pig from walking on a lead like a dog would around the streets where he lives
New laws to protect animals’ feelings
The ACT could become the first state or territory of Australia to recognise in law that animals have feelings and that humans should care for their physical and mental wellbeing
What happens on election day and why?
On May 18 more than 16 million Australians will vote in the 2019 federal election. We’ve compiled the answers to 10 of the most common questions about what happens and why
Teen to fly solo around Australia for charity
A teenager who can’t drive a car is about to fly an aeroplane solo around Australia to try to raise $40,000 for a rural medical charity called Angel Flight
Prime Minister calls federal election for May 18
Australia is going to the polls on May 18 to elect a new government after Prime Minister Scott Morrison officially called the 2019 election
Earth Hour: Change the way we live
Join the global movement of hundreds of millions of people all turning off the lights as a way of working together to care for the environment
World’s richest prize for teacher of the poor
There is only one computer, bad internet access, no library, no science laboratory and drought and famine are frequent, yet Peter Tabichi’s students are achieving great things
High-speed rail on the fast track to reality
PM Scott Morrison has promised to spend billions of dollars on high-speed rail links across Australia with the first project linking Melbourne to Geelong in 32 minutes
Hobart votes to ban single-use plastic
After an 8-4 vote by Hobart councillors, the city is set to become Australia’s first to ban single-use plastics including straws, sauce packets and cups
Footballers say no to racism
The AFL has praised its players for their public support of Adelaide Crows star Eddie Betts and said player power is one of the strongest tools in fighting racism
Kakadu’s traditional owners granted Jabiru native title
The Mirrar people have been granted native title rights over the Kakadu mining town of Jabiru after a 20-year fight. We look at the history of the Native Title Act in Australia
Pioneering women honoured for breaking new ground
The massive machines that will tunnel under Melbourne have been named after two important Australian women who helped shape our country
Reach out and say ‘thanks for serving’
Kids News is supporting #ThanksForServing: a movement to recognise the service of armed forces veterans, past and present, and the sacrifice of their families
Mega kitchen to make millions of meals
Australians waste food to the value of $20 billion a year, yet millions of people go hungry. A new mega kitchen will help solve both big problems
New rule for where migrants live
Overcrowding in Australia’s biggest cities is costing the country billions of dollars. The government plans to make migrants move to regional areas as part of the solution. Is this fair?
PM wants national day for indigenous Aussies
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has suggested adding a new national day to our calendar to celebrate indigenous Australians
Kids building helping hands
Students are setting aside Lego and picking up the makings of prosthetic hands in a program that helps those in need overseas. What would you make if you were an engineer?
Student’s anthem protest
A nine-year-old Australian girl and her school are locked in a battle about her right to sit in protest against the national anthem’s lyrics.
Boy raises $1 million
A 10-year-old boy’s response to learning about Australia’s drought was to find a way to help. In five weeks, he has raised more than one million dollars. What are your ideas for helping people?
Snapshot of Australian history
The government tried to fill Australia with immigrants from the UK after World War II. Old photos of this time are a fascinating snapshot of one chapter of our history
Scott Morrison our new Prime Minister
UPDATE: Scott Morrison is Australia’s 30th Prime Minister after a dramatic week in Australian politics
Turnbull holds onto PM job
It’s an unstable time in Australian politics, with another politician trying to take over as Prime Minister from Malcolm Turnbull yesterday. We’ve explained how and why the vote happened
Council bans Christmas glow sticks
Single-use plastics are being banned around the world. One of the latest examples is on glow sticks at an Australian Christmas lights festival. Do you agree?
Population to reach 25 million
Australia is growing faster than ever before, with one baby born every 102 seconds. This week we reach 25 million, much earlier than expected
NZ says Australia should change its flag
NZ’s acting PM Winston Peters wants Australia to change its flag to avoid mix-ups between our countries. His suggestion? Add a big kangaroo to the design
Aussie cave rescuers honoured
Nine Australians were key to the success of the long and dangerous rescue of the Thai boys’ soccer team from a flooded cave. Today their heroism was honoured
Australians come to farmers’ rescue
One newspaper story about a family in need prompted a flood of donations and tears of joy and gratitude at the many kindnesses. What could you do to help Australia’s struggling farmers?
Shorts and pants for Qld girls at school
Many schools haven’t updated their uniform rules for years. But one state is about to make schools let girls wear pants or shorts. How would you update your school’s uniform?
World remembers Nelson Mandela
July 18 is Nelson Mandela International Day and the 100th anniversary of his birth. We look at the life and achievements of this incredible man and how he continues to inspire others
Kids News
is free to use!
Subscribe to our newsletter
Thank you
Your subscription to the Kids News newsletter was successful!