Aussie kids need less homework, more play
healthHomework headaches and “competitive parenting’’ are fuelling kids’ anxiety, Australia’s new National Children’s Commissioner warned, calling for kids to get more time to relax and play
Bullied by a friend? It’s still bullying
safe kidsYoung people are less likely to recognise behaviour as bullying if it is coming from someone they consider a friend, according to a new study from online mental health organisation ReachOut
Two giant pythons drop in for a visit
animalsA Queensland man came home to a collapsed kitchen ceiling and two massive snakes making themselves comfortable elsewhere in the house. Kids News looks at how to keep safe around snakes
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How to find your voice and talk to a crowd
A teenage public-speaking whiz is on a mission to help kids reeling from coronavirus disruptions master the art of talking to a crowd, finding their voice and their confidence
Simple steps to ease your worries in tough times
There are things you can do to keep up your spirits and maintain a sense of hope if you feel worried about the coronavirus pandemic, writes Beyond Blue’s Dr Grant Blashki
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
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
Billie’s kindness lives on
Australian schoolgirl Billie Kinder always believed she could make the world a better place. Now her family hopes the third annual B Kinder Day on June 22 will take her message worldwide
Big COVID-19 questions and simple answers
Using World Health Organisation information, we answer important questions about COVID-19, such as: "What is a virus?" and "Why are there new rules for everyday life?"
It’s not all bad news; there is good news too
Australian Childhood Foundation’s Dr Joe Tucci has a positive message for children about worry and bad news, and a reminder that there is still a lot of good news around if we look for it
Hero nippers save tourists from dangerous rip
Young nippers have been hailed as heroes after spotting two tourists caught in a dangerous rip and immediately jumping into the ocean to save them
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
Boy’s smart helmet wins invention award
A 9-year-old Australian inventor is heading to NASA after his Hero Helmet – designed to lock the wheels of a bike, scooter or skateboard if not worn – won a national innovation award
Smart glasses to find missing kids
Hi-tech glasses designed to scan crowds of people and spot missing children “within seconds” come with the promise that the technology won’t invade anyone’s privacy
Swim and survive with virtual reality
A new water-safety program designed to prevent drownings uses 360 degree, lifelike, interactive videos to place kids inside virtual rips and teach them how to escape and survive
Banish mould lurking in lunch boxes
A child health specialist is urging parents and kids to properly clean and inspect lunch boxes, drink bottles and toys for hidden mould after the revolting results of a parent survey
Kid-watching home spy invention on way
Google has legal permission to develop technology that monitors where children are at home and what they are doing, eating and saying, raising concerns about privacy and children’s rights
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
Are parents ignoring kids’ rights?
As the UN reviews the rights of children in the digital age, it has found parents who share online their children’s pictures or personal information may be violating their human rights
Aussie cricket stars’ big tips for kids
Ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup, top cricketers are sharing what they’ve learned about success with Australian kids, but it’s not about how to hold a bat, bowl a ball or take a catch
Concussion: what is it and how does it happen?
As cricketer Steve Smith recovers from a hit to the neck, we look at what concussion is, how it happens and how to stay safe in light of new research about kids, concussion and sport
Happy or sad? Students send teachers emojis
School kids will soon be able to use emojis to instantly tell their teachers whether they’re feeling happy, confident, overwhelmed, bored or confused by what’s going on in the classroom
Students see benefit of phone bans, like it or not
Not everyone likes or agrees with banning phones in schools, but students with bans in place admit school is better without devices. We check in on phone bans around the country
Kids witness racist attacks at sports events
A World Vision survey shows nine in 10 children know someone close to them who has been the target of a racist attack at a professional sporting event
Victoria bans student phones at schools
Students at all Victorian government schools will be banned from using or carrying phones from first to last bell from next year in an attempt to reduce distraction and cyber bullying
Push for in-ground traffic lights for phone users
Looking at a smartphone while walking near or across roads is dangerous. To keep people safe, Sydney and Melbourne have trialled in-ground traffic lights, with Adelaide set to follow
Bullying a growing problem in our schools
An international teacher survey has found bullying, intimidation and cyber-harassment are common in Australian schools, with the problem worse than five years ago
Exploring Minecraft’s new Australian city
Dig for false teeth, look for drop bears and search for wildlife in a new Minecraft mini Melbourne to learn about science, maths, archaeology and engineering
Beware of wild mushrooms
Autumn weather means more mushrooms and other fungi growing in the wild, but as it’s almost impossible to tell which ones are deadly, avoid them all to stay safe
Compulsive phone use affects wellbeing
Port Adelaide AFL players are putting away their phones and a new study has found we might all feel better about ourselves if we follow their lead
Footy star slams internet trolls
AFLW star Tayla Harris has called for action to be taken against trolls after offensive comments were directed at an incredible photo of her kicking a football
Australia under attack from cyber hackers
In the wake of several recent cyber attacks of major Australian organisations, we look at hackers, malware and the simple things we can do to help keep our information safe
Beware tiny creatures hiding in seashells
After a day of building sandcastles and collecting shells on a Western Australian beach a young girl unknowingly took home a very dangerous creature
Now is the time to learn about fire safety
More than 130 dangerous bushfires are burning across Queensland, reminding everyone of the importance of knowing how to call for help and stay safe in case of fire
Kids can help keep families safe
Behaviour experts know that adults are more likely to listen to their kids than to strangers. Kids could be the perfect people to remind their parents to drive safely.
Good friends saved her from bullies
This is one woman’s brave story of her experience looking different to many other people. You may find it upsetting to read but it provides insight into what it’s like being teased and bullied
Danger! You’re not using enough sunscreen
Scientists find sun lovers are risking skin cancer because they don’t use enough sunscreen for proper protection. So how much is enough?
Australia-first review into phones at school
NSW orders Australia’s first review into the dangers and benefits of smartphone use in schools
Toboggan-run fun banned to “maximise safety”
Snow trips can be expensive. One of the cheapest things to do is to have some fun on a toboggan run. The activity is now banned at one Australian ski resort. Is this sensible or silly?
Walk the path to health
Join the millions of kids walking safely to school this Friday. Every little bit of exercise helps keep you happy and healthy.
Hacker’s good and evil tale of technology
A former teen hacker nicknamed Mafiaboy explains how kids have to protect themselves in a world where technology can be positive or take them to the dark side
Ed Sheeran’s anti-bullying message
International music superstar Ed Sheeran has used his local concert to send an anti-bullying message to all Australian schoolkids
PM acts to stop bullying in schools
PM Malcolm Turnbull has personally written to every school in Australia asking them to join the fight against bullying
Call to ban smartphones in schools
There’s a push to ban smartphones in schools to prevent cyberbullying and to improve students’ focus on learning
Millions of maggots invade beaches
Beachgoers in Sydney have been shocked at the sight of millions of maggots washing up on the northern beaches
What happens when you get sunburnt?
Australians are told over and over again to stay out of the sun, wear a hat and use sunscreen, but why? What actually happens if you get burnt? A lot, it turns out.
Student activity screened
School students’ days of playing games and streaming content when they should be working in class could be numbered, with the introduction of an Australian-made program
Why swim between the flags?
Why do we swim between the flags? What is a rip current? A look at how to stay safe all summer long
Backyard pool slides into hot water
Perth friends inherited an old fairground slide and turned their pool into one of the most popular, and potentially most dangerous, attractions in town. VIDEO
Cyclists urged to slow down
A review of safety on shared paths has led to a new campaign around bike rules. VIDEO
Neighbours star stands up against bullying
A new study reveals “covert” bullying is on the rise among girls, Lilly Van Der Meet tells her story
Air safety a top priority
Any safety incident involving aircraft in Australia is thoroughly investigated to keep flying safe.
Sharing no good for cyber safety
CHILDREN as young as eight are sharing too much personal information online, according to alarming new figures.
