Screen time and emotional struggles linked in children
Excessive screen use and emotional difficulties in children fuel each other, according to new research from Australian Catholic University. The global study, involving 292,000 children, found that screen time can worsen issues such as anxiety, aggression and attention difficulties, while children also turn to screens to cope.
Lead researcher Roberta Vasconcellos said older children were especially vulnerable, with video gaming showing the strongest link to emotional problems. Experts warn that screen use can interfere with sleep, exercise and social development, creating a harmful cycle.
Researchers urge parents to set consistent limits and support children in managing emotions in healthier ways, while calling for a review of current screen time guidelines.
Parents prioritise discipline as boys’ education falls behind
Discipline and behaviour management are top concerns for Australian parents when choosing a school, according to new research commissioned by Catholic Schools NSW. The study found 45% of parents ranked behaviour as their highest priority, followed by school facilities (41%) and communication (37%).
At the same time, new research by the Kathleen Burrow Research Institute has found that boys are twice as likely as girls to score in the lowest NAPLAN literacy bands and face long-term educational and employment challenges.
Catholic Schools NSW CEO Dallas McInerney said both findings pointed to the need for structured, supportive learning environments. ‘Behaviour has emerged as a major issue,’ he said. ‘A respectful classroom supports wellbeing and academic success – and we must ensure boys are not left behind in the process.’
Aussie schools to get AI boost
A partnership between Day of AI Australia and UNSW Sydney will help deliver hands-on AI learning to schools across the country, after being selected for funding and support from Google.org’s $30 million Generative AI Accelerator program.
As the only Australian recipient, the project will create new generative AI tools and experiences for students and teachers, aiming to boost AI literacy and prepare young Australians for an increasingly AI-driven world.
‘This is about giving young Australians the opportunity to shape the AI-powered world they’re growing up in,’ said Day of AI Program director Natasha Banks.
The initiative will include teacher training, device donations, and curriculum-linked learning experiences to ensure students gain practical and ethical knowledge of AI.
Empowering young Australians to lead, serve and be heard
Young Australians are stepping up as leaders, advocates and changemakers through a series of national initiatives promoting service, inclusion and cultural pride.
The Vinnies Service Medallion (VSM), launched statewide by the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW, recognises high school students in Years 7–12 for their work in social justice, fundraising, volunteering and advocacy. Following a successful pilot in Catholic schools, the free program invites students to make a difference through local action. ‘This is a significant new program that allows young people to do good in their communities,’ Joy Kyriacou, Vinnies NSW Director of Programs said.
Meanwhile, CripChat Australia, a podcast produced by Australian Disability Ltd, is expanding in 2025 with a Youth Spotlight series. The podcast, hosted by Jonathan Shar, gives young disability advocates a platform to share their lived experiences, raise awareness and drive inclusion.
In classrooms and assemblies across the country, schools are preparing for Busking for Change – a national music and fundraising initiative led by the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. Students learn and perform a song in Yawuru language, with the 2025 track Country Tells Us When . . . co-written by Josh Pyke, Justine Clarke, DOBBY and Tehya Makani. The goal is for 100 schools to participate and raise $80,000 to support books by and for remote First Nations Communities.
In brief
King’s Birthday Honours: Two Australians have been honoured in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours for their contributions to Catholic life. Wayne Bull, executive director of Catholic Education WA, was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his service to Catholic and Indigenous education. John McCarthy AM was recognised for his work with the Catholic Church, law, and sports administration. Read more. 
NSW EdTECH Week: More than 350 STEM educators will gather at the University of Sydney next week for a Festival hosted by the STEM Enrichment Academy and the Sydney Academy of Teacher Excellence, as part of NSW EdTECH Week and coinciding with the EduTECH conference.
What’s on
Countering misinformation about refugees & migrants: Join Prof Daniel Ghezelbash from UNSW’s Kaldor Centre as he presents a new report offering practical tools to tackle misinformation about refugees and migrants. Free and open to all. (17 June, 2–3pm, online). Find out more.
The 2025 Australian Catholic Education Conference: To be held in Cairns 20–22 August. With the theme Hope, Anchored in Faith, the event will explore Catholic education’s mission through Faith, Excellence and Access. Find out more.
Pictured: Day of AI Australia and UNSW Sydney project to improve AI literacy programs in Australian
schools after being selected in Google.org initiative.
Pictured: Josh Pyke, DOBBY, Tehya Makani and Justine Clarke invite schools to join in the fun and register for ILF’s musical fundraiser, Busking For Change. Photo: ILF Supplied.
Pictured: Country Tells Us When… is a book about country, culture, and the six Yawuru seasons that guide life in the Kimberley, created by Community from Cable Beach Primary School in Broome and published by the ILF.