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Opinion/Commentary

“Make – up for babies”, really? Let’s talk about ‘skincare’ for young children

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Early last year, news oulets, such as the BBC were reporting on the Sephora craze.

Many tween girls were flooding beauty stores, including Sephora, and buying their products. #sephora and #sephorakids were trending on TikTok and Instagram. However, many posts that included the hashtags featured creators also slamming the craze. Many creators accused the young shoppers of being rude to customers and staff.

Other creators exposed harsh ingredients, such as retinol, were found in products, such as Drunk Elephant.

Fast forward twelve months, advertisers of beauty products are targeting children even younger.

Make – up for toddlers?

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If you think beauty companies targeting tweens is ridiculous, you ain’t heard nothin’ yet! According to Angela Mollard, girls as young as three are being introduced to beauty. And no, it’s not harmless play.

The hobbyfication of skincare and make-up is no longer a ‘bit of fun’ and ‘not that deep’ as many are saying. It’s not the same as playing dress ups.

Not only are ‘beauty routines for toddlers unnecessary, but are potentially harmful.

…it’s physically, emotionally and financially harming children by peddling the insidious messages to (mainly) girls that they are not good enough as they are…

(“I don’t care if this sounds like judgement, because it is” Angela Mollard on makeup and babies”, Angela Mollard, Herald Sun, 23 November 2025)

Effects of introducing toddlers to beauty products

Mollard is right about the harnful effects of makeup on toddlers, including the physical ones.

According to Science Alert, a baby’s or toddler’s skin is still developing. It’s thinner and is absorbent. As a result, babies’ and toddlers’ skin is more likely to become irritated or have an allergic reaction.

When babies and toddlers are exposed to the irritants so young, it may lead to hormone disruption later in life.

Babies have seven layers of skin. However, the skin is so thin that chemicals can easily enter a baby’s bloodstream. Babies and toddlers also have less sebum, (which naturally moisturises skin). As a result, a baby or toddler’s skin can get dry and irritated when exposed to certain chemicals.

More harmful side effects of makeup on babies and toddlers

According to The Conversation:

  • Before the age of three, any exposure to makeup can affect their microbiome
  • Researchers have found that carcenogenics, such as formaldehyde, in bronzers and nail polish
  • Toluene is a harmful substance and is considered a work hazard substance in Australia. Safework Australia warns that it can be flammable and a toxic vapour
  • Many chemicals used in soaps, detergents and makeup can disrupt hormones, which may affect fertility
  • Products labelled “natural” aren’t free of risk. A study published in the National Library of Medicine found that, on average, each product studied contained 4.5 allergens

Children aren’t ’miniature adults’

I think Adam Taylor in The Conversation makes a really important point:

Babies and young children aren’t just miniature adults. Their skin is still developing and more vulnerable to irritation, chemical absorption and systemic effects…

(“Using cosmetics on babies and children could disrupt hormones and trigger allergies”,Adam Taylor, The Conversation, 26 July 2025)

Children should be able to play and explore the world safely. They should not be exposed to adults’ insecurities about appearance and the cosmetic companies that prey on it.

It’s one month before under – 16 social media ban

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Today is one month before the Australian Government bans children under sixteen from certain social media platforms.

According to Herald Sun, this is in response to increased tensions between the Government and social media giants over child safety. Last year, Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese claimed:

Social media is doing harm to our kids, and I’m calling time put on it.

(“Australia’s world-first social media ban for under- 16s begins one month from today”, Mia Erickson, Herald Sun, 10 November 2025)

The platforms that will be forced to ban children under sixteen are:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Snapchat
  • YouTube
  • Threads
  • Kick
  • TikTok
  • Reddit

The Australian Government has emphasised that the burden for compliance will be placed on the (mostly American) social media companies, not parents.

How will the ban play out?

Image: Canva

Prime Minister Albanese has labeled the legislation “imperfect”. However, news outlets have been given general information on how this ban will play out.

According to ABC, the E – Safety Commissioner has put platforms on notice.

The platforms listed above will be labelled as ‘age – restricted’ platforms. They must take “reasonable steps” to ensure that children under sixteen aren’t creating accounts. Tech companies could face fines up to A$49.5 million if they fail to block underage accounts.

Platforms that are exempt from ban

Children under sixteen will not be banned from all social platforms. They will still be able to access:

  • Messenger
  • WhatsApp
  • YouTube Kids
  • Discord
  • GitHub
  • LEGO Play
  • Roblox
  • Steam
  • Steam Chat
  • Google Classroom

E – Safety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant has raised a major loophole in the current proposed legoslation. Children could simply go to other platforms, such as BlueSky, that are currently not listed. This means that the danger of cyber – bullying, exploitation, etc is still present.

We will continue to take a whole-of-ecosystem, but we want to reinforce that just because a service is excluded. it does not mean it is absolutely safe.

(“Which social media platforms will be forced to ban Australian users under the age of 16?”, Annabelke Bowles, ABC, 5 November, 2025)

Age – verification and ‘parent run’ accounts?

Credit where credit is due. I commend the Albanese Government for taking children’s online safety seriously enough to act on it. I think it comes from a good place. But it does have glaring holes.

First, how are the platforms going to verify age? Just ticking a box? Providing government identification documents when someone signs up? What does that do to a person’s privacy? How will identity documents be stored to avoid identity theft?

What about parents? Currently, platforms like Instagram and YouTube have thousands of accounts of underage influencers (who are under thirteen).

Family vloggers are notorious for exploiting underage children. Many of these children, such as H from Dougherty has her own Instagram account. She’s only seven. The accounts are ‘run by parent’.

Another child that has been disgustingly exploited on social media was E of Cole and Sav LaBrant. Josh Barbour from Dad Challenge Podcast exposed disturbing comments E got when she was around five – years – old.

This proves it’ll be tricky for the Australian Governmemt to enforce this ban. It’s not just banning children under sixteen. They’ll have to somehow outlaw fake accounts and ‘parent run’ accounts. We’ll have to see how far this will go.

What do you think of the social media ban? Do you thimk it’s needed and will work? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.

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Opinion/Commentary

Social media challenge saves Australians money

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It’s nearly the end of September.

It’s no secret that people around the world are struggling financially. According to news.com.au, RBA boss Michelle Bullock admitted that the cost of living wasn’t easing, despite a decrease in inflation.

According to Caitlin Davey on the ABC, Instagram creator, Lou Gibson, aka ‘The Money Mum‘ took on ‘No Spend September’. She took on the challenge for the past two years. She told the ABC why she took on the chalkenge:

It’s mainly to stop unconscious, habitual, spending and to focus on all the wonderful things in my life that are completely free.

(‘No spend September is kicking off on social media to help people save,’ Caitlin Davey, 31 August 2025)

Gibson wasn’t the only one. She is part of a growing number of people who swore to ditch takeaway coffee and other luxuries throughout the month of September.

Financial literacy advocate, Ketvi Roopnairainwas positive about the challenge.

About ‘No Spend September’

What is No Spend September? No Spend September is a global social mefia trend where creators vow to eliminate unnecessary spending throughout September. Currently, there are 1757 posts with the hashtag #nospendseptember on TikTok.

Image screenshot from TikTok

No Spend September gained some traction on Instagram, too, amassing over 1,000 posts.

Screenshot of Instagram hashtag #nospendseptember

Here are some of yhe Instagram creators who took on the trend:

  • madison.hungerford, by her own admission, is very self – sufficient. However, she describes herself as a “Costco addict”. She tod her followers she will only buy cream for coffee.
  • A Purposeful Home: Andrea offered a course on reducing spending
  • the.brokegeneration suggested people go into shops only to take a photo of items to trick the brain and provide the same dopamine hit
  • sweewtfrugallife offered six tips when doing the challenge. They were:
    • Tell your friends
    • Seek free community events
    • Remind yourself why you’re doing the challenge
    • Unsubscribe from non – essential emails and social media accounts that tempt you
    • Prepare meals in advance
    • Forgive yourself for slip ups

The impact of No Spend September

When Gibson did the challenge last year, it had a positive impact on her family. Her family had:

More family time, park plays and board games meant that we didn’t feel deprived.

In my opinion, it seems like No Spend September could reveal to people what really is important.

Alternatives to No Spend September

No Spend September may not work fpr everyone. If you believe that may be you, Roopnairain suggests selling your unused belongings for extra money. She even suggests getting rid of thirty belongings in thirty days. She also suggests looking at utility plans and try and get the best one. You can also megotiate for better deals with your current utility company.

No Spend September isn’t bad, but it doesn’t change the real issue

I think No Spend September (and selling unused possessions) isn’t bad. It may be good for some peoole, or at least offer some financial relief.

However, it’s important to point out that this doesn’t fix the state of the economy. The issue of the economy goes beyond middle – class (and lower – class) families. Unless those who hoard wealth, buy multiple properties, making the cost of housing worse, avoid paying taxes, many families will continue to struggle.

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Opinion/Commentary

Teens delete TikTok to combat negative body image

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For years, parents, teachers and health professionals have worried about how social media affects children and teenagers.

Over the past decade, many young people have experienced cyber – bullying. In response, the Australian Labor Government recently introduced a bill banning children under the age of sixteen from certain social media platforms, including: Snapchat, Meta (Facebook), TikToknand YouTube.

Another issue affecting young people is body image. Not surprisingly, Instagram images and reels and TikTok videos often portray unattainable beauty standards and lifestyles.

Now, researchers are realising that getting off social media can reverse some of these negative effects.

Researchers reveal that deleting social media reverses harm

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According to Lauren Novak, researchers from Flinders University had teens deleting social media, especially TikTok. Psychologist and researcher, Dr Simon Wilksch has raised alarm in social media and its impact on body image. He’s vocally backed Australian Government’s ban on social media for children under sixteen.

He’s also urged governments to offer more treatment options. for young people with eating disorders.

Dr. Wilksch told Herald Sun:

As a psychologist working with people with an eating disorder, I see the devastating toll these illnesses can take.

Social media platforms are image and video-based, constantly giving users the meesage. that how they look is important and that efforts to change their appearance will lead to greater likability by others.

(’Devastating toll’: Aus researchers team up with teens to fight TikTok – fuelled eating disorders, Lauren Novak, Herald Sun, 15 September 2025)

Dr. Wilksch highlights how teenagers are vulnerable, due to peer relationships and their need for acceptance.

The research

A trial by the Media Smart Targeted (MST) included over 500 13 to 25 – year – olds across Australia and New Zealand.

Dr. Willksch said that the rate of young people seeking help for eating disorders has doubled over the past twelve years.

On the I Am Media Smart Fact Sheet, Dr Wilksch recorded:

  • 50% of boys and 75% of girls between 13 – 25 report having poor body image
  • A study of 1,000 Year Seven and Year Eight students revealed 52% of girls and 45% of boys have recently displayed disordered eating behaviour

Poor body image is linked to many health issues, including:

  • Higher risk of depression
  • Higher risk of anxiety
  • Low self – esteem
  • Self – harm
  • Substance abuse
  • Sleep disorders
  • Unhealthy relationship with food (no surprise, really)
  • Unhealthy relationship with exercise
  • A drop in academic performance
  • Lower school attendance
  • Poor peer relationships

Parents of children under sixteen granted consent for their children to be surveyed. Participants over sixteen gave their own consent.

What can be done to help young people struggling with body image?

Content warning: this part of the post deals with suicide

Dr. Wilksch encourages schools and health practitioners to display the MST data.

Obviously, healthcare for young people needs to be adequate. Unfortunately, services like Headspace — which is meant to help young people within that age group — are often ill – equipped to help young people in dire circumstances. Unfortunately, they don’t have enough qualified psychologists and psychiatrists that deal with issues as severe as self – harm and severe mental illness.

Unfortunately, too many inpatient services aren’t properly equipped either. In 2011, Albury Councillor, Stuart Baker and his wife Annette lost their only daughter, Mary to suicide. She was only fifteen and had a long battle with an eating disorder after an abcess removal and root canal treatment.

Paeditricians initially dismissed Mary’s inability to eat, telling Stuart and Annette that it was “all in her head”. She battled the eating disorder for three years before tragically losing her life.

In the aftermath of Mary’s death, Stuart, Annette and their two sons have worked tirelessly to end the stigma around mental health and suicide. For years, Stuart and Annette held the Survivors of Suicide and Friends Winter Solstice to help people who’ve lost loved ones to suicide.

Mary Baker’s tragic passing exposed the fatal flaws in youth mental health system and the need for better treatment for young peoole with eating disorders.

It’s great that the media is shining a light on youth mental health, the effects of social media and disordered eating. I hope society keeps up with the fight and finds a solution that saves future generations.

If you are in crisis, please call 000 (or your national emergency number).

If you’re in Australia and need help, you can contact Lifeline: 13 11 14

Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 or visit the website.

If you need help with an eating disorder, you can visit the Butterfly Foundatiin website.

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Opinion/Commentary

Top psychatrist criticises the misuse of the term ‘narcissist’

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Note: I’m not a mental health professional. All information in this post is from various online sources. They may not all reflect what you or someone you know is going through. If you need to, please seek professional help.

Mental health is a hot topic. Everyone has had an experience of mental illness, personality disorders or is close to someone who has.

In the past few years, everyone has adopted ‘psychology speak’. Words like ‘gaslighting’ are commonly used. Unfortunately, it’s often used incorrectly.

Back in May this year, I called out YouTubers for flippantly ‘diagnosing’ other content creators with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). BPD is a serious and complex mental illness. As I stated, people suffering from BPD face a range of serious symptoms, such as suicidal ideation, turbulent relationships, and in some cases, addiction.

Now, a respected Australian osychiatrist begs people to stop misusing the term ‘narcissist’.

What is narcissism?

Image: Canva

Headspace founder, Dr. Patrick Mcgorry raised alarm about the misuse of the word ‘narcissist’. He told the Herald Sun:

There has been has [sic] a tendency to label and even demonise people with narcissistic traits, yet with poor understanding of the complexity of narcissism as a psychiatric and a psychoanalytic concept.

(‘Patrick Mcgorry: We need to stop using narcissist as a catch-all insult’, Herald Sun, May 13 2025)

Dr. Mcgorry went on to explain different types of narcissism: grandiose (also called overt), and vulnerable (also called covert) and malignant.

Types of narcissism

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a Cluster B personality disorder. The Cluster B personality disorders characterised by emotional instability, difficulty in gaining and maintaining healthy relationships and self – destructive tendencies.

Many people also believe that Cluster B personality disorders are difficult, if not impossible to treat.

Narcissistic expression tends to fall in one of three categories.

Grandiose narcissism

Grandiose is the classic, stereotypical narcissist. According to Very Well Mind, people who exhibit grandiose narcissism

…have a highly inflated sense of self – importance. They crave admiration and tend to make social situations all about them.

(‘The signs of grandiose narcissism and how to deal with it’, Arlin Cuncic MA, Reviewed by Steven Gans MD, updated 3 March 2025).

When people with NPD are grandiose, they are outgoing and charasmatic, often attracting people to them. This personslity sub – type can be helpful for a short term. However, due to their lack of empathy and low self – worth, grandiose narcissists resort to manipulating and exploiting others.

Covert/ vulnerable narcissism

Covert or vulnerable narcissists also have NPD. Unlike grandiose narcissists, vulnerable narcissists appear more emotional and approachable.

However, like overt narcissists, covert narcissists seek attention and have turbulent relationships. They are often passive – aggressive, extremely envious others and don’t own their mistakes.

Malignant narcissism

This is the most extreme and most dangerous subtype.

In their book Mind Behind the Crime, Dr. Helen McGrath and Cheryl Critchly defined malignant narcissism as comorbidity of extreme NPD and Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD).

According to Psychology Today, the term ‘malignant narcissism’ was invented by Holocaust survivor and psychoanalyst, Erich Fromm in 1964.

Austrian – American psychoanalyst, Otto Kemberg. expanded the concept. He observed four common characteristics in malignant narcissists:

  • Narcissism
  • Antisocial behaviour
  • Paranoia
  • Sadism

In 2021, narcissistic abuse recovery coach, Jill Wise was featured on YouTube channel, MedCircle. She told Kyle Kittleson that her father was a malignant narcissist. When defining malignant narcissist, Wise emphasised it being on the worst end of the narcissistic spectrum and exhibited sadistic tendencies.

She also explained how many malignant narcissists thrive on terrorising their victims emotionally rather than through physical assaults. She explained that causing marks from assault would destroy the malignant narcissist’s public image.

MedCircle YouTube

Many victims of abuse from a malignant narcissist develop post – traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or complex post – traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD).

I agree with Dr. Mcgorry. We should be careful when using the term ‘narcissism’. Because it’s a real thing. It’s often destructive. And the voices of narcissistic abuse survivors shouldn’t be drowned out by misinformation.

If you’re in Australia and need emotional support, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636.

If you’re a victim of domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732). If you’re in immediate danger, call 000 or your national emergency number.

Herald Sun publishes article on asexuality

Herald Sun masthead

My first blog was about asexuality. From 2013 to 2016, I wrote at least once a week (most months) about it: myths, other asexual bloggers and how it was portrayed in the media. I never would have imagined that I’d see an article on on asexuality in the Herald Sun.

Mandy’s self – discovery and common stigma

Woman, only known as ‘Mandy’ came out as a lesbian in her early 20’s. According to her, she had a number of relationships with women in her twenties and thirties.

Throughout the relationships, Mandy realised a lack of interest in sex and how it became an issue between her and her partners.

In her first serious relationship, she went through quite a common experience:

H (Mandy’s ex – partner), kept pushing me to speak to my GP, but I refused. I didn’t see my lack of interest in sex as a problem I wanted or needed to fix. H also suggested I see a therapist…

This is not unheard of. Unfortunately, some people see asexuality as something to be ‘fixed’ rather just another orientation. In fact, it wasn’t too long ago when asexuality was pathologised. In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association finally stopped categorising asexuality as a disorder.

In 2016, Canadian sex therapist, Morag Yule and professor and psychologist, Lori Brotto reinforced APA’s stance. They claimed that there was “not sufficient evidence” to pathologise asexuality.

After relationships ended, including a distance one, Mandy realised that her sexuality fell on the asexual spectrum.

Image from Canva

Does this matter?

People made twenty – six comments on the article. On the positive side, some commenters were supportive

It has to be such a relief knowing that it [sic] nothing wrong with you as a person – it’s just being you.

Good on you for sharing your story Mandy. However I do think it was lost on most of the commenters. It never cease to amaze me how many people get upset by ‘labels’. Why is this

This comment hits the nail on the head. When it comes to sexual or gender minorities (especially non – binary people), people push back.

In fact, over the years, I’ve seen some parallels between how asexual people and non – binary people are treated, particularly not being believed.

Others expressed fatigue or ignorance.

Seems to me as she is attracted to females only, that would make her a lesbian. Don’t know why she would classed any different, just fancy lifestyle words

(*Sigh*) I mean, if the commenter bothered to read the article, Mandy’s relationships haven’t worked out in part, because of her lack of interest in sex.

I’m sorry but you like someone our [sic] you don’t. Why does there have to be a name associated with a particular feeling or desire. Speech.

Again because Molly experiences a lack of sexual attraction and desire. This doesn’t mean she lacks romantic attraction.

Sexual and romantic attraction aren’t the same. Most of the time, they go hand – in – hand, but not always.

Kudos to the Herald Sun

Lastly, I just want to give kudos to the Herald Sun for allowing Molly to tell her story. It’s great that an Australian mainstream media company is helping in spreading awareness about it. I still think that’s important, even in 2025.

Did you read the article “I have very little interest in sex — what it’s like for me being asexual”? What are your thoughts? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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Opinion/Commentary

Doctor suggests getting rid of the ‘middlemen ‘ in the NDIS. Is this a good idea?

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) logo on white screen

How can the Government fix the National Disability Insurance Scheme?

The Australian Government implemented the NDIS Act in 2013. By late 2020, all people with “permanent” and “significant” disabilities could access the NDIS nationwide.

The NDIS has had a number of issues; from criminal neglect, abuse and fraud. More recently, there have been fears and controversies about whatis and isn’t funded by the NDIS.

Some ‘services’ that aren’t covered seem quite obvious for most people, such as: alcohol, sex workers and standard day – to – day expenses.

Other services have been substituted. For example, the NDIS pays for participants to have an Exercise Physiologist, rather than a Personal Trainer.

The future of other services currently covered by the NDIS are murkier.

Doctor suggests cutting “middlemen” out of NDIS

Chalk drawing of three arrows. Top arrow, pointing left saying ‘Advice’. Second arrow pointing right saying: ‘Support’ and third arrow pointing left saying ‘Help’.
Image: Canva

According to The Australian, Western Australia – based General Practitioner, Dr. James Fitzpatrick suggests cutting out ‘the middlemen’ of the scheme. This includes Plan Managers and Support Coordinators.

Dr. Fitzpatrick argues that some Support Coordinators are charging “trail fees” and earning more than a junior doctor. He also argues that Plan Managers make the NDIS more complex and take funds away from therapies:

The plan management model has diverted substantial resources within the NDIS and has made it more complex to administer for therapy providers and this has resulted in less resources being available for direct service provision

(“NDIS spends $1bn-plus on fees for middlemen managers”, Natasha Robinson, 21 March 2025).

According to Dr. Fitzpatrick, each participant is charged a ‘set – up fee’ from their package often ranging from A$230 to A$350. The cost is dependent where the participant lives and how remote they are.

Who will keep watch?

In a perfect world, maybe Plan Managers and Support Coordinators wouldn’t be needed in 5he NDIS. But it’s no secret that the NDIS has been plagued with fraud and abuses.

Plan Managers keep an eye on the amount of funds that a participant have in their Plan. They also alert participants if the funds are going to run out early. Lastly, they keep an eye on invoices that NDIS providers submit, making sure that invoices are legitimate and in line with the guidelines.

Support Coordinators are advocates for participants. They argue with the NDIA and make sure that participants get the funding they’re entitled to. They also alert participants when changes should be made and when a Provider is being unethical.

So, who will fulfil these roles and maintain participants’ rights? Local Area Coordinators (Navigators)? Doctors? Other professionals who are already overworked?

Is there a better solution?

I think the real problem is lack of professional standards. Currently, there are very few mandates for NDIS workers. Many organisations don’t require certain qualifications, Police Checks or Work With Children Checks, or even First Aid.

Rather than abolishing Plan Managers and Support Coordinators, maybe they need to be better regulated. They should all have a background and/or qualifications in Disability and/ or Community Services at minimum.

They should all have appropriate checks, including NDIS Worker Check, Work With Children’s Check (WWCC) and National Police Check.

Finally, there needs to be strict regulations on the rates that Plan Managers, Support Coordinators and other providers can charge. Anyone proven to be charging the wrong amount should be dealt with affectively.

If Support Coordinators and Plan Managers are done away with, I fear that there will be less support for participants. Dare I say, there will be more fraud, exploitation and abuse. The Government should deal with unethical providers, regardless of their role. Deal with the fraud and abuses, rather than deprive participants of advocacy and support they need!

Should Support Coordinators and Plan Managere be taken out of the NDIS? Let me know thoughts in the comments below.

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Opinion/Commentary

Parents face struggles when children start the school year

Back of mother and her four children side by side holding hands
School has started. Unfortunately, so has stress. Image: Canva

It’s the start of a new school year for millions of children. Many children have started school; entering Kindergarten or Prep (depending on the Australian State you’re in).

 

Jodi Wilson wrote on the ABC website about the “hardest year of motherhood”. It was Wilson’s youngest child’s first day at school. She didn’t expect the transition to have such an emotional impact.

I held it all together for him [hercyoungest son] — ushered him through tired afternoons and big emotions — but it took me months to accept that I needed a similar kind of care, too.

(‘The transition to school was harder on me than my kids’, ABC, Jodi Wilson 29 January 2025)

Perfectionism and the pressures parents face

Adult wearing a white t - shirt with the word ‘VOLUNTEER’ in big black letters
Parents feel pressure to volunteer at their school’s events. Image: Canva

Parents stress about what schools expect from them. Wilson pointed out the pressure parents face to volunteer at their child’s/ children’s school.

Then there’s responsibilities that children and parents face throughout the year. Signing permission notes, returning library books, etc. Of course, perfection doesn’t exist. Things happen: children lose library books, etc. Children waste time and are late to school. Heck, parents often struggle to get their children out of bed!

Another pressure Wilson brings up is volunteering. Often, parents are encouraged to volunteer for numerous school roles: canteen, reading, sports carnivals, fundraisers, you name it. But so many parents are so busy, they probably don’t have time to volunteer in every event.

Of course, there are always events that parents want to attend to support their children. I think it’s important for parents and friends outside the school to support students in their events (carnivals, Drama performances, etc). Unfortunately, it isn’t always possible.

Parents need to be supported by schools as much as parents should support teachers. Everyone needs to be able to lighten their load and not feel obligated for every little thing!

 

Tips for parents of school – aged children

Luckily, there is help and tips for parents. According to Parents Victoria:

  • Parents should have a mutual agreement with the school on communication method/s
  • Parents should inform the school of their child/ren’s needs, and be realistic in their rxpectations
  • Have agreed pick up/ drop off points
  • Parents should inform teachers if their child/ren has mental health concerns (i.e if the children are prone to anxiety)
  • Parents should familarise themselves with the school layout and transport pick – up/ dropp off points.
  • It’s important that parents get to know and build a respectful relationships with their children’s teachers and Head Teachers
  • If a child is starting a new school, parents should brainstorm with conversation starters with their child to give them more confidence.
  • If parents are unable to get the school items they need, there is no shame in asking for help

By the time this post is published, students have already started school for 2025. I wish all students and parents the the best. May you be able to be relax a little and enjoy the school year.

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Opinion/Commentary

Grace Tame controversy and (another) never – ending Australia Day debate

Image: spukkato, iStock

Another Australia Day has passed. For those who don’t know, Australia Day was on Sunday 26 January (AEST).

On New Year’s Day, I wrote this tweet:

https://twitter.com/gqueenmedia/status/1874388431780089966?s=61
Same old, same old.

And this year, Australia Day didn’t disappoint. People were outraged when 2021’s Australian of the Year, Grace Tame met Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese wearing a ‘F*** Murdoch’ t-shirt. That’s a reference to the CEO of Newscorp and Fox News, Rupert Murdoch.

Tame defended her clothing choice, saying she wore the shirt to “speak truth to power”.

She told the ABC:

One thing that I think unites us is that we want to make progress and a huge roadblock to making progress is the fact… the world for far too long, has been ruled by disproportunately, morbidly wealthy, corporate oligarchs

(‘Grace Tame, former Australian of the Year, meets Anthony Albanese in anti – Murdoch shirt’, ABC, Evelyn Manfield/ Monte Bovill, 25 January 2025)

Grace Tame is a sex abuse survivor and advocate. In 2022, she slammed then – Prime Minister, Scott Morrison for his and the LIberal National Party’s response to sexual assault allegations and a toxic workplace.

After an outcry from members of the public, Albanese addressed the incident:

People were just there , one by one, rolling through, being welcomed. And [Tame’s shirt], was clearly designed to get attention because I do think that it takes away from what the day should be about, which is the amazing people who were nominated as Australians of the Year.

(‘Albanese criticises Grace Tame for her “F— Murdoch” t – shirt”, Michelle Griffin/ Millie Muroi, Sydney Morning Herald, updated 27 January 2025).

Tame hit back at Albanese, arguing that the Murdoch media is more offensive. She made claims that Murdoch media dodges taxes, responsible for destabilising democracies and destroying the earth.

Other controversies

Again, debates raged about whether councils should carry out Citizenship Ceremonies on 26 January. Opposition leader, Peter Dutton swore that he’d force councils to conduct the ceremonies on that day if he won this year’s Federal Election. Dutton. also blasted Albanese for tip – toeing around the issue.

Dutton, himself, went to a citizenship ceremony in Brisbane, Queensland.

Companies, such as Woolworths reversed recent decision not to sell Australia Day merchandise.

This year, grocery monopoly, Woolworths caved to public pressure and began selling Australia Day merchandise again

The Israel- Palestine conflict has become intertwined withvthe debate. Pro – Palestinian protesters view the plight of Palestinians the same as the battle of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander has had against British colonisers.

Opinions of readers of Melbourne’s The Age were mixed:

Think about the worst trauma that your family has suffered, in the near or distant past, then imagine how it would feel if you were expected to celebrate that event on that day every year. When a change of date would make such a difference, why are we being so mean – spirited and thoughless in causing repeated grief to our First Nations people

(Grace Brisbane – Webb, Skye, The Age, 27 January 2025)

Are our state (sic) and federal (sic) Labor governments so tone deaf that they cannot read the room and hear the mood of most Australians? No to the Voice, changing the date of Australia Day, to anti – semitism (sic), to the disruptive behaviour of destructive protesters, and a very big no to the relentless leftist, woke, progressive insanity of Labor’s pursuit of idealism over commonsense. For anyone in doubt, just check the views of the silent majority reflected in recent polls in every state (sic).

(Peter Baulch, Safety Beach, The Age 27 January 2025).

Honestly, I’m getting tired of this endless debate. I hope we can get to a point where we can be united. Where we can celebrate where we are and be excited for the future. Can we reach a resolution by next year?

LGBTQ youth and cyber – bullying:

Image: ljubaphoto, iStock

This is in response to an email received a few years ago. I’ll be adding up – to-date information in this post. I’m so sorry for the delay.

Western countries, such as Australia, the US, Canada and the UK have made great strides towards LGBTQ+ equality in the past twenty years. However, it doesn’t mean that life is always easy for many LGBTQ+ people, especially youth.

A few years ago. a reader gave me some resources about the high rate of LGBTQ+ youth being bullied online.

According to a survey by VPNMentor:

  • 73% of respondents were harassed or personally attacked online
  • 50% of respondents received sexual harassment online
  • Among LGBTQ+ respondents, asexual people felt most unsafe. Gay men reported being the most safe online
  • Trans women were the gender group who felt least safe online whereas cis men reported feeling the most safe

This study included 695 participants. This is a small sample and I often take studies with small samples with a grain of salt.

Howeverm, in 2021, Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)/conducted a slightly larger study. They found 41.1% of LGBTQ+ adolescents had experienced online discrimination. 28.4% reported experiencing gender – based discrimination.

Harassment of asexual people isn’t new

Image: Getty Images, iStock

TW: this part of the post briefly mentions sexual violence

Unfortunately, the findings on the victimisation of asexual youth isn’t surprising, nor is it new.

In 2014, asexual author and advocate Julie Sondra Decker published The Invisible Orientation: An Introduction To Asexuality.

According to Decker, many asexual people experience ‘corrective’ rape and domestic violence because of their orientation. This is in part because people still don’t believe that asexuality exists or can be ‘fixed’ by force or coercion.

Asexual people, especially women, have experienced sexual harassment. Not only that, but victims are often blamed for their experiences. Victims are told they shouldn’t bring up their identity in the first place.

People get abused whether they’re out with their identity or not

Sometimes, people can’t win. Trans people risk abuse whether they’re out about their identity or not. 21% of transmen and 26% of transwomen had reported being outed without their consent.

Many responsdents were outed by classmates, or even friends. Many of the victims were blackmailed by the perpetrators.

Outing an LGBTQ+ person can be terrible for the individual. The person could lose their family or job. It can also exacerbate or cause cyber – bullying and a barrage of hate.

How people can feel safe online

Fortunately, there are ways you can combat online hate. These include:

  • You can just report 5he abuse to the platform.
  • Remove hateful comments off your profile/ page, etc yourself
  • To limit risk, you can make lists or groups orivate and interact in these
  • Remember, cyber – bullying and sexual harrassment are crimes. Don’t be afraid to alert police if this is happening to you

I can only hope cyber – bullying will become a thing of the past. Enough is enough. Everyone deserves to feel safe, both online and in the ‘real’ world.

If you are in Australia and are struggling, please contact Lifeline: 13 11 14.

If you or someone you love feels unsafe or is being victimised, call 000 (or your national emergency number).

If you are an LGBTQ+ young person, you can go to QLife.