Vaping reform legislation crucial for student health
National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) executive director Jacinta Collins has co-signed a letter supporting the Australian government’s Vaping Reforms Bill 2024.
This bill aims to address the serious health issues caused by vaping, including lung damage and developmental delays, which are increasingly affecting young people.
Health Minister Mark Butler and Education Minister Jason Clare recently visited Marist Sisters College to review a program aimed at reducing student vaping. The program, adopted by 250 high schools, highlights the significant concerns about vaping’s rise.
A December 2023 survey showed vaping among 12-17-year-olds has quadrupled in five years, with many teens who vape likely to start smoking cigarettes.
Collins urges awareness and action on the government’s vaping reform measures.
Read more.
School stress
Primary school children are experiencing alarming levels of stress and unhappiness about going to school, according to research from not-for-profit health fund HCF.
Almost a third of parents reported their child being late to school due to mental health issues, and around a fifth said this happens weekly.
A quarter of parents noted partial-day absences, with one-in-six experiencing this weekly. Nearly a third also reported full-day absences, with nearly one in five of these happening weekly.
Clinical psychologist Rebecca Short said children’s school distress could stem from neurodiversity, mental health disorders, home difficulties, and health issues.
Ms Short emphasised the need for recognising the serious distress behind school refusal and the necessity for intensive support for families.
The study also found over a third of parents had not sought any assistance for their child’s mental health issues.
Call for input on civics education
The Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters is inviting feedback from students and schools on civics and citizenship education.
Committee chair Kate Thwaites emphasised the need for better civics education, highlighting concerns over young Australians’ understanding of democracy. In 2019, a third of Year 10 students and half of Year 6 students met the proficient standard in civics.
The Committee aims to understand how civics is taught and to improve engagement with social and political issues. Feedback will also be sought from remote communities, new migrants, and culturally diverse groups.
To participate in the survey, visit the Civics Education Survey.
Taking the mask off autism
The Autistic Pride Day Symposium returns this month with an expanded vision, bringing together experts, practitioners, and community members to explore and celebrate the diverse experiences of autistic individuals.
The event features a full day of interactive workshops, presentations and seminars filmed in front of an audience.
Find out more.
Play with the kids
Adult involvement is crucial in developing play and imagination among infants and toddlers, according to research by Australian Catholic University and Monash University.
Infants as young as four months can engage in collective imagining with adults, transforming objects like toy trucks into props for creative play.
The study highlights the importance of adults in fostering this imaginative development, encouraging families to actively participate in playful activities with their children.
Read more.
Calls for unity from the education sector
Educational communities need to work with First Nations communities, guided by the Yolngu concept of Makarrata – coming together after a struggle, according to NCEC’s Jacinta Collins.
‘When things seem insurmountable we too are called to become more engaged, to connect, to collaborate and to be open to challenge our current thinking and practice,’ Ms Collins said.
‘As educational communities we can come together to work with First Nations’ communities to address the challenges their children and young people and improve outcomes in educational, health and wellbeing, as part of working towards reconciliation, justice and healing’.
Read more.
New support for Indigenous communities
A new partnership has been forged to create a culturally safe online platform for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The upcoming Yarning Space will offer a supportive environment for sharing experiences and accessing resources.
Combining SANE’s mental health expertise with Thirrili’s cultural insights, the collaboration aims to improve support systems for Indigenous communities.
What’s on
NAPCAN’s QLD Community of Practice Online Event: Supporting Kids’ Resilience and Wellbeing through Disasters: ‘Prevention, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery’
Guest Speaker: Jacinta Perry, Partnership Officer, Country Collaborative and TKiD lead
Date: Wednesday, 19 June 2024
Time: 9.30–10.30am
Location: Online via Zoom
RSVP here.
NAPCAN child abuse and neglect prevention/mandatory reporting workshops: Available on several dates across the states from June to September. Find out more.