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Life Course Research and Social Policies

In this chapter we present the research questions motivating the book and outline key themes and issues guiding the chapters. We provide a broad overview of the Australian social, political and economic context to give readers an understanding of some of the key features of Australian society.

Gender-Neutral Toilets: A Qualitative Exploration of Inclusive School Environments for Sexuality and Gender Diverse Youth in Western Australia

School toilets have been identified by sexuality and gender diverse (SGD) students as the least safe spaces in educational institutions. They are sites of verbal, physical and sexual victimisation.

Young people with prior health service contacts have increased risk of repeated alcohol-related harm hospitalisations

After a first alcohol-related hospitalisation in youth, subsequent hospitalisations may demonstrate an increased risk of further alcohol-related hospitalisations, but there is no existing data on this.

A review of Australian Government funding of parenting intervention research

Parenting is central to children's optimal development and accounts for a substantial proportion of the variance in child outcomes, including up to 40% of child mental health. Parenting is also one of the most modifiable, proximal, and direct factors for preventing and treating a range of children's problems and enhancing wellbeing.

“Coronavirus Changed the Rules on Everything”: Parent Perspectives on How the COVID‐19 Pandemic Influenced Family Routines, Relationships and Technology Use in Families with Infants

This study explores how the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic influenced family routines, relationships and technology use (smartphones and tablet computers) among families with infants. Infancy is known to be an important period for attachment security and future child development, and a time of being susceptible to changes within and outside of the family unit.

The relationship between physical activity, self-regulation and cognitive school readiness in preschool children

Limited research exists on the pathways through which physical activity influences cognitive development in the early years. This study examined the direct and indirect relationships between physical activity, self-regulation, and cognitive school readiness in preschool children.

School Readiness of Children Exposed to Family and Domestic Violence

Children have a universal right to live free from exposure to family and domestic violence (FDV). Children exposed to FDV can experience long-term effects on their physical and psychological health and their social competencies including social, emotional, and cognitive skills and behaviours that underpin successful social adaptation and academic achievement. The aim of this study was to investigate if children exposed to FDV were more likely to be vulnerable on school readiness measures compared to those children who were not exposed.

Bright Tomorrows Start Today (Parent App)

The Bright Tomorrows app developed at The Kids Research Institute Australia aims to assist parents of children aged 0-5 years to support their child to develop the building blocks of several essential life skills.

CFC Report

The Tasmanian Government has made a significant commitment in recent years to ensure children have the best possible start in life.

Combatting the Normalisation of Sports Gambling and Aggressive Marketing Tactics that Compromise the Mental Health and Wellbeing of Australian Youth

Sports gambling has become increasingly normalised among young people, with the proliferation of sponsorship deals and a 300% rise in the number of gambling advertisements in the past 7 years.