Teen girls and gender-diverse youth facing rising mental health issues
A major new study has found that gender-diverse teens and girls, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds, are most at risk of anxiety and depression.
Published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, the research tracked over 6,600 Australian teens from Year 7 to Year 10, revealing a sharp rise in mental health symptoms over time.
By Year 10, nearly 30% showed signs of major depression and 1 in 4 had moderate-to-severe anxiety. Researchers say urgent, tailored support is needed to address this growing crisis.
Many teachers unsure of future in profession
More than a third of Australian teachers and school leaders are unsure if they will stay in the profession until retirement, according to new data from the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL).
The latest National Trends: Teacher Workforce report reveals that full-time school teachers work an average of 50 hours a week during term time, with workload and wellbeing concerns driving many, particularly younger educators, to consider leaving the sector.
Dr Saul Karnovsky, a Curtin University expert in teacher wellbeing, said the report provides a valuable snapshot but only captures a small portion of the profession. He noted that the figures echo broader research, including findings from the Black Dog Institute, which show teachers are up to six times more likely than other workers to experience stress, anxiety, and depression.
‘Poor work-life balance and workload pressure continue to be major concerns,’ Dr Karnovsky said. ‘Unless we see real support—such as reduced administrative burden and strategies to manage increasing challenges from student and parent behaviour—teacher attrition will only worsen.’
Meanwhile, the data also shows that two-thirds of Australian teachers have over 10 years’ experience, with more stepping into leadership roles. Find out more.
EAL/D students need long-term support
A major new study by the Australian Education Research Organisation has found that students learning English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D) can take up to six years to reach full classroom proficiency.
The study tracked over 110,000 students and revealed that even those with some English skills needed at least three years to catch up academically.
Students from disadvantaged or refugee backgrounds needed longer support, highlighting the need for targeted, long-term assistance.
Researchers say multilingualism is a strength—but ongoing support is vital for academic success. Read more.
Senior maths enrolments decline
Mathematics education experts are urging all students to study maths in Years 11 and 12, amid falling enrolment rates.
Only 10% of Year 12 students took higher maths in 2022, with fewer than 20% in intermediate levels.
Researchers say low motivation, gaps between junior and senior curricula, and teacher support are key issues.
‘Students who do not study foundational mathematics in secondary school years will be unlikely to keep up studying mathematics or related disciplines,’ said Dr Vesife Hatisaru from Edith Cowan University.
Experts call for early, engaging maths education and targeted strategies to lift interest and participation. Read more.
Autism microskills for NSW early childhood educators
Autism Awareness Australia and TAFE NSW have launched a free online microskill course to help early childhood educators across NSW better support autistic children. The two-hour course covers early signs of autism, myth-busting, and practical strategies for inclusion.
AAA CEO Nicole Rogerson said the training boosts educators’ confidence and reduces burnout, improving outcomes for children.
Over 1,600 professionals are already registered in the broader Early Childhood Education and Care Professional Learning Program.
Find out more.
In brief
Pope Leo XIV has announced the appointment of Bishop of Sandhurst, Shane Mackinlay, as the seventh Archbishop of Brisbane. Read more.
Pictured: Shane Mackinlay (Courtesy of ACBC, Giovanni Portelli Photography © 2022)
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has appointed Fr Anthony (Tony) Doran as Executive Secretary for Liturgy. Read more.
Speaker Milton Dick MP has relaunched the Parliament in Schools program for the 48th Parliament, following visits to over 160 schools last term. The program began this week at Chapel Hill State School (QLD), joined by local MP Elizabeth Watson-Brown.
What’s on
2025 National Catholic Education Conference: taking place from 20–22 August in Cairns under the theme Hope, Anchored in Faith.
The program features keynote speakers including Professor Dylan Wiliam and over 70 sessions on faith, learning, leadership and more.
On-demand tickets offer three months' access to the full conference lineup, including keynotes, workshops and masterclasses.
Educators, leaders and parents are encouraged to register now.
Find out more.
Students invited to contribute to National Catholic Education Conference: Catholic school students are invited to submit Speaking to Country recordings and artworks for the 2025 Conference. Artworks on the theme Hope, Anchored in Faith may be displayed in the Chapel. Submissions close 25 July. Find out more.
Improving reading comprehension in the RE classroom (AC+ subscriber only event)
Date: 29 July, 4.30-5.30pm AEST (Save the date)
Speakers: Lecturer for the Advancement of Literacy, Dr Danielle Colenbrander and Leesa Battistello, whose thesis will be promoting a hermeneutical communicative model for RE classrooms.
Find out more.