Understanding Boys
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Summer Holiday Reads
Understanding BoysReading is one of the easiest and most valuable ways to support boys’ learning and wellbeing. For younger boys, sharing books builds language, imagination, and a love of stories, while giving you a chance to slow down together. As boys grow, reading boosts vocabulary, comprehension and confidence, and helps them develop creativity and empathy. With […]
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A fresh start: Helping boys navigate Australia’s new social media ban
Understanding BoysAustralia is preparing for a major shift in the digital lives of young people. From 10 December, children under 16 will be removed from eight major social media platforms, including Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. This world-first move aims to protect young adolescents from harmful content, addictive design features and the pressures of online life […]
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Navigating parenting advice in a noisy world
Understanding BoysParenting has always come with questions, doubts and moments of “Am I doing this right?”, but today’s parents face a unique challenge – an endless stream of opinions, articles, podcasts, experts, influencers and well-meaning voices telling us how to raise happy, healthy boys. With so much information at our fingertips, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. […]
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Why quality sleep matters for your teenage son
Understanding BoysWhen it comes to helping your teenage son thrive – academically, emotionally and socially – sleep is one of the most important yet often overlooked foundations. Research shows that adolescents aged 14-17 should be getting 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night. However, many Australian teens fall short: for instance, it’s estimated that around […]
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Helping teenage boys unplug and thrive
Understanding BoysIn today’s digital age, screens dominate teenagers’ lives – predominately social apps, streaming and messaging. But new policies and research signal that it might be time for a reset. From 10 December 2025, Australia will enforce a world-first law that stops children under 16 from holding social media accounts. According to the government’s eSafety regulations, […]
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Inspiring boys to get out and get active
Understanding BoysBeing active is so important for children and young people to be healthy, happy and to develop good habits for life. Encouraging our boys to get out there and experience life to its fullest can sometimes be a challenge and the pull of devices and screen time is ever present for many families. So, what […]
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The importance of mindfulness for teen boys
Understanding BoysMindfulness for boys
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Helping boys manage exam stress
Understanding BoysAs exam season approaches, it’s natural for boys to feel a mix of motivation and anxiety. Some stress can be helpful – it sharpens focus and encourages preparation – but too much can quickly become overwhelming. Helping boys find a healthy balance is key. Dr Ray Swann, Executive Director of the Foundation for Positive Masculinity, […]
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Risky Business
Understanding BoysRisky play for kids
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The power of a vulnerable dad
Understanding BoysWhen was the last time your son saw you cry? For many Aussie dads, the answer might be “never.” But according to Dr Billy Garvey, Victoria’s 2025 Father of the Year, it might be time to rethink that. In a recent interview with the Herald Sun, Dr Garvey, a paediatrician and father of four, called […]