Tag: News

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Opinion/Commentary

Social media challenge saves Australians money

Image: Canva

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

Image: Canva

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

Image: Canva

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

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

Australian principals are fighting food insecurity among students. How did this get so bad in the first place?

Image: Prostock – Studio, iStock

How can this happen in Australia in 2024?

According to the ABC, 1.3 million Australian children live with food insecurity. Going to school hungry is detrimental to a child’s learning. Fortunately, one school is combatting this.

Alexandra Hills State School, Queensland teamed up with not – for – profit, Eat Up to provide students with a free lunch.

Principal, Scott Ward explained the program as:

[It’s] really a vehicle for the kids to know that we care and that our community cares about them, no matter what, whether they can afford food or they can’t.

(‘Children experiencing food insecurity can face challenges at school. Some groups and principals are changing that’. Stephanie Felsina, ABC News, 9 September 2024)

The school is incredibly humble and wants their students to ask for food without shame:

I think the most important thing for us is we don’t make a big deal of it, because we want our kids to know that they can come to a staff member without shame.

Food insecurity leads to absenteeism

Image: kuarmungadd, iStock

A few months ago, ABC’s Four Corners raised alarm about children being too anxious to go to school.

Living with food insecurity is a common reason for children not attending school.

In 2018, Foodbank revealed that one in three parents lived with food insecurity. When parents struggle with finances, essentials are sacrificed. It’s food vs rent. Or electricity bill vs school expenses.

Heartbreakingly, children who live in poverty face bullying when they do go to school. Parents also told Foodbank they realised mood and behavioural changes in their children due to hunger.

Conversely, founder of Eat Up, Lyndon Galea has seen an increase of attendance since partnering with Alexandra Hill School.

Schools also reached out to other charities, such as Y (formerly YMCA), to help provide food for students. Like Mr. Ward, Y aims to destigmatise children reaching out when in need.

Touching stories exposes national shame

Alexandra High Schol and charities should be commended for providing food to hungry children. However, it exposes a national shame.

The media in Australia is flooded with reports of the cost of living crisis. There have also been reports of major supermarkets, most infamously, Woolworths, being condemned for falsely advertising ‘specials’. Social media users exposed the supermarket giant for price gouging and exploiting the cost of living crisis.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), has launched legal action against Woolworths and Coles, accusing them of raising prices and falsely promoting them as specials.

It’s disgusting how supermarket giants, power companies and, ultimately the Australian Government has created this situation. It’s disgusting that children don’t have the means to have their basic needs met. We’re not talking about a twelve – year – old wanting the latest PlayStation, PARENTS CAN’T AFFORD TO FEED THEIR CHILDREN! It’s such an outrage with plenty of blame to go around.

So, what can be done? Until the Government gets its act together, maybe you can support an Australian charity. The Smith Family directly helps children in poverty attend school.

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Opinion/Commentary

Disney: from magic to heartlessness

Image: FelixCatana, iStock

When I was a child in the 1990’s, I was obsessed with Disney. When I was ablut five or six I wanted Cinderella and Snow White and the Seven Dwarves videos.

In 1995, I remember wanting to go to Disney World or Disneyland so badly. Back then, people who had Pocahontas and Toy Story on video had a chance to win a flight to Disney World in Florida. I didn’t win, much to my disappointment.

I also loved Sleeping Beauty. A few years later, I fell in love with Mulan. You get it. I was a Disney kid through and through until I was in my mid teens.

Now, as an adult, I find the Walt Dosney Company so… heartless. They have sacrificed safety, human dignity and compassion for profit.

The food allergy death and the Disney+ ‘fine print

This is the most recent scandal that I know of.

According to the ABC, last year, Kanokporn Tangsuan allegedly died in a Disney Springs restaurant. It’s alleged that Mrs Tangsuan had an allergic reaction to nuts and dairy in the food. Walt Disney Corporation advertised that accommodating for people with allergies was a “top priority”.

In the aftermath of Dr. Tangsuan’s death, her husband, Jeffrey Piccolo tried to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against Walt Disney Corporation. Rather than admit guilt, Walt Disney Company callously argued that Dr. Kanokporn’s family couldn’t sue. They made the bogus claim that pursuing a lawsuit went against Disney Plus’s Terms and Conditions.

Lawyers supporting Piccolo said Disney’s ‘fine print’ argument was “absurd”.

Disney’s backpedal and response

After the public found out Disney’s callousness, Disney backpedalled. Kind of. Disney offered a vague, inauthentic response:

With such unique circumstances as ones in this case, we believe this situation warrants a sensitive approach to expedite a resolution for the family who have experienced such a painful loss.

Walt Disney Corporation should give Piccolo and his family a proper apology. Then again, psychopaths can’t give genuine apologies, can they?

Disney goes after grieving father over dead son’s tomb stone

Dr. Tangsuan’s death isn’t the only time where Walt Disney Corporation has been heartless.

In 2019, Disney clashed with British father, Lloyd Jones over a Spider-Spider-Man display on his son, Ollie’s tombstone. Ollie passed away after a battle with leukodystrophy. Jones wanted to use a picture of Spider-Man to honour his son.

Disney Corporation dug their heels in, arguing that Walt Disney himself forbade his cartoons from being engraved on tombstones.

This caused outrage. Over 16,000 people signed a petition calling for Disney Corporation to change their policies. Families of children who’ve passed away should be able to display Disney movies on tombstones.

Jones’ brother, Jason joined in the chorus calling for Disney to change thir mind. Disney didn’t buckle, but offered a ‘one – of – a – kind’ illustration, with words commemorating Ollie.

So, what can we say about Disney? They’re heartless. They don’t care about their fans — children or adults. They only care about money and bogus terms and conditions. Maybe keep that in mind when you’re thinking about signing up to Disney Plus.

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Opinion/Commentary Uncategorized

Women are falling prey to MLMs. What is Multi-Level Marketing?

Image: Andrii Dodonov, iStock

According to the ABC, people in regional Australia, are falling for Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) schemes.

One MLM that’s preying on people in regional Australia is one promoting a Japanese machine that “electrolyses tap water” and promises “triple health” to people who drink it. They gain recruits by promising a six – figure salary.

However, this is often far from reality.

Proponents of MLMs promise a dream. However, most people who enter MLMs realise quickly that it’s a nightmare.

What is Multi-level Marketing

Before we go any further, what is Multi-level Marketing?

Forbes defines multi-level marketing as:

Multi-level Marketing (MLM), also known as direct marketing or network marketing, is a method of selling products directly to consumers using independent sales representatives

(‘Understanding Multi-level Marketing’ E. Napoletano, Editor: Benjamin Curry, Forbes Advisor, Updated 26 April 2023)

Investapedia argues that there are ‘legitimate’ MLM businesses. From what I’ve heard and read over the years, ‘legitimate’ MLMs must be few and far in between.

The Rural Freedom Movement

According to the ABC, Kate* (name has been changed) is a single mother from remote Queensland. She sees a post of a young woman 8n a cowgirl hat. This woman appears to be living in luxury. This mystery woman is Kylie Stevenson.

She claims to make her income online. How? She claims it’s by recruiting people to sell big ticket items.

Stevenson started The Rural Freedom Movement. She advertises it as:

…a community of rural people who are seeking to learn how to create an online income and build a legacy for their future.

In a social media post, Stevenson wrote:

If you’re looking for an opportunity to break free from a 9-5 grind and create a life of financial freedom, then you’re in the right place.

(‘4 reasons not to turn to an MLM for an income boost’, Kelly Scott, 5 February 2021)

Does it all sound too good to. be true? Well, The Rural Freedom is an MLM. So, it’s more likely than not that many people who join The Rural Freedom Movement will not get what they were promised.

Most people lose, not make money in MLMs. And they lose relationships

Image: Gearstd, iStock

There’s a reason why MLMs are frequently compared to pyramid schemes.

You are far, far more likely to lose money in an MLM. According to the ABC, less than one per cent make lots of money through MLMs. In fact, many can’t make a living from them at all.

When people join an MLM, they are pressured to buy their MLM products using their own money. This is often expensive and it’s impossible for most people to break even, let alone make a profit.

Lucy* (not real name), a young stay – at – home mother, claims that MLM recruiters harass and are “relentless”. And they’re unaffordable.

To hide this reality, recruiters use love – bombing to add to their downline.

I have a very, very strict budget and I can’t buy this crap all the time. I hate MLMs so much. The guilting, the relentless posting… and the girls from school in my DMs like, ‘Hey babe, how are you?’ I don’t respond anymore because I already know what they want.

(‘4 reasons ot to turn to an MLM for an income boost’, Kelly Scott, 5 February 2021).

Like cults, some MLMs encourage their recruiters to cut ties to friends and family who are concerned.

This makes people who join MLMs feel isolated. This makes MLM companies to rely solely on other members of the MLM.

Almost all MLMs leave people broke and broken-hearted. They are predatory. They promote a false reality and shame those who don’t live up to the image they promote. I think they should be avoided like the plague.

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Opinion/Commentary

Did the ABC drag LGBTQ+ people through the mud for clickbait?

Image: Kokkal Ng, iStock

The ABC reported allegations that Year Nine girls at Renmark High School were exposed to references of ‘bestiality’ during a ‘Respectful Relationships’ class.

Female students claimed they were told to leave their current classes to attend a presentation. There was staff from Headspace, Berri.

One student, Courtney White, 14 said:

We had a teacher that told us to grab a chair and sit in front of the board, and then the Headspace people came in and then the Headspace people came in and then [the teacher] left, so, we’re sitting in front of a board alone with no teachers, just Headspace people.

Quick note: She’s only fourteen (apparently). The above quote (which is word for word from the ABC article) is weird. It sounds like the teacher abandoned them.

When I was in high school, teachers were always present at speeches, presentations, etc. So, why did the teachers in Renmark High leave them now?

Mentions of bestiality: what is the truth?

The biggest controversy was an alleged reference to bestiality. The way some commented on it, it sounds like zoophiles are included in the LGBTQ+ community.

Were LGBTQ+ people linked to zoophiles? What was the real context? According to a Reddit post:

Apparently, (according to the other sub), what happened was the presenter made a reference that years ago, LGBT people were compared to those who’d practice bestiality, (well, not that long ago as it was said during the marriage equality debate). Some of the young students in the audience misunderstood what that meant and by the time it got back to their parents, it had become a lecture on bestiality.

NoteChoice7719, 5 April 2024

Other Reddit users were confused what happened. Some even doubted the students’ accounts.

If NoteChoice7719 is correct, the presenter wasn’t completely wrong. During the same – sex marriage debate in 2016 – 2017, people argued that same – sex marriage would lead to acceptance of bestiality. That was so disgusting. Frankly, it didn’t need to be repeated.

When news got out, parents were outraged. According to The Mercury, at least one mother removed her three children from the school.

Renmark High School receives backlash and apologises

The backlash against was Renmark High School was swift. So was their response.

RHS Principal, Mat Evans admitted that the school was in the wrong. He assured parents that it was being investigated. In the meantime, the presenter has been suspended from all government schools.

He admitted students were uncomfortable during the presentation. He also expressed regret about not informing parents and that school staff weren’t present.

So, was the ABC wrong?

When I first researched for this story, I was so disappointed in the ABC. I thought they were throwing LGBTQ+ under the bus. However, I don’t think that now.

There seems to be confusion on exactly what was said at the presentation. However, it sounds like both Renmark High School and Headspace Berri was in the wrong. They shouldn’t have make the students uncomfortable. The Principal and parents should’ve been informed

To be fair, I’m willing to believe that the presenter didn’t mean to link the LGBTQ+ community to bestiality or other illegal activities. The ABC probably should have made that clearer.

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Opinion/Commentary Uncategorized

Does Finland hold the answers for Australia’s early childhood education and care crisis?

Getty Images: iStock

Australia has an early childhood education and care crisis. Actually, there’s a number of crises.

Most parents and caregivers can’t afford not to work. Ironically, early childhood education can be so expensive, it makes working seem pointless.

There’s more.

Many Australian parents are finding it almost impossible to find spots for their children without waiting for a significant period of time.

Emma Douglas from Broome, Western Australia, told ABC’s 7.30:

[I’d] be posting on the Broome babysitting Facebook pages begging, begging, for a babysitter that could fit in with the days that I needed.

Douglas eventually gave up her job due to lack of available childcare. Fortunately after being in Broome for two years, Douglas was able to find a childcare place.

She said the childcare system: “doesn’t feel fair”.

Finland’s childcare system

Image: digograndi, iStock

Unlike Australia’s private childcare system, Finland’s childcare centres are run by local government. It’s also considered a right.

Professor of education at the University of Jyaskyla, Heidi Harji – Luukkainen explained:

So, in Finland, we have a subjective right for children to get early childhood education, which means that the parents are guaranteed placement for the child in early childhood education whenever there is a need.

Additionally, childcare fees aren’t blanket amounts. They’re dependent on a family’s income. Fees can range from A$50 to A$500 a month. In Australia, the system is a bit more complex.

Austalian governments have introduced childcare subsidies. In mid – to – late 2020, the Liberal National Party (LNP), ended JobKeeper for early childhood educators and rolled back free childcare for working families.

Lack of access

Another issue that Australian parents face is finding an early childhood education centre nearby.

Many parents, especially in Australia’s capital cities have to travel almost half an hour to take their child/ren to childcare. This creates stress on both the parents and children. They often have to leave home early in the morning and get home in the evening. Talk about a busy day!

In contrast, Finland has numerous early childhood education centres that are near enough for families.

The history of Finland’s early childhood education system

According to Jacobin, Finland’s successful early childhood education system didn’t happen overnight.

The first kindergarten was established in the capital, Helsinki in 1888. This was established for working -class families. Four years later, education for early childhood teachers began. Since 1995, most Finnish early childhood educators hold a degree. In Australia, the minimum qualification to work in early childhood education is Certificate III.

In 1919, Finnish municipalities were granted the right to establish early childhood education centres. Only a few took the offer. However, after World War Two, early childhood education was formalised.

In 1973, Finland’s government introduced the Child Daycare Act. This made childcare a right for Finnish children. This came about because childcare was only accessible to families who could afford or access it geographically (sound familiar?)

So, yes, Australia can learn from Finland. It’s all about priorities. Early childhood education needs to be considered a right to all children, not just a privilege for some.

What do you think? Should Australia try to adopt Finland’s esrly childhood education system? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments.

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Opinion/Commentary

Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt sentenced for child abuse

Trigger warning: this post mentions child abuse and may be triggering for some readers. If this is true for you, please proceed with care.

On Wednesday, (Australian Eastern Daylight Time), a Utah judge sentenced Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt

The 8 Passengers’ matriarch was sentenced between four to sixty years imprisonment for aggravated child abuse. Hildebrandt was given the same sentence.

Late last year, Franke confessed to abusing her – then twelve -year – old son. She admitted to forcing him to work outside in late Spring to late Summer (May to August). Despite the heat, Franke’s son wasn’t given adequate water. He also suffered severe sunburns.

Franke also physically abused her son and bound his ankles and wrists with handcuffs and rope.

Franke then ‘treated’ the boy’s injuries with duct tape.

When the judge asked her plea, Franke said:

With my deepest regret and sorrow for my family and my children, guilty.

Franke treated her then – then nine – year. – old – daughter in similar ways.

Yet, Franke has had the gall to accuse one of her children of sexual abuse and calling her children ‘evil and posessed’. If the second statement isn’t an example of projection, I don’t know what is!

Franke’s sadistic nature was evident on ‘8 Passengers’

Image: contrastaddict, iStock

No one should be surprised with these charges. Ruby is sadistic and she hasn’t hid it.

As far back as 2020, viewers were disturbed over Franke’s overly – strictt parenting.

She treated her children horribly, all in the public eye.

Last year, reporters and commentators revealed that Franke forced her eldest son to sleep on a beanbag for seven months. In a video, the teenager revealed that he’d got in trouble for pranking his brother.

She refused to give her young daughter —who was six at the time — lunch at school. Why? Because the six – year – old daughter forgot to pack it.

In 2021, Franke announced that she and Kevin were giving two of their youngest children “the gift of truth” for Christmas. That’s code for nothing. These children weren’t even teenagers at this stage.

But wait, there’s more. Both children were used by toy companies to promote… toys for Christmas. You can’t make this stuff up!

Snail Galaxy started a petition calling for Child Protection Services (CPS) to investigate Franke’s treatment of the children. Unfortunately, it amassed less than three hundred signatures. But Franke was starting to get attention for all the wrong reasons.

YouTuber Josh Barbour has covered Franke’s cruelty on Dad Challenge Podcast for about three years.

Ex – LDS couple, Jordan and McKay has also spoken about Franke and Hildebrandt, especially Hildebrandt’s therapy practices.

Where to from here?

The imprisonment of Franke and Hildebrandt brings up many issues. One is exploitation of children online. The other is the danger of the ‘picture perfect’ image that family vloggers put across. It seems limke that the more ‘perfect’ a vlogger family seems, the more that they have to hide.

As social media users, the best we can do is stop falling for it. Stop watching family vlogs and other problematic creators. Fortunately, that’s starting to happen.

If this post brings up any issues for you and you’re in Australia, you can contact:

Lifeline: 13 11 14

Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 or go on their webchat

Kids Helpline (for those between five and 25): 1800 55 1800 or their webchat

If you or anyone you know is in immediate danger, call 000 or your national emergency number.