Interview with Megan Mitchell – Australia's National Children's Commissioner
This week, happychild had the privilege of speaking with Megan Mitchell, Australia’s first National Children’s Commissioner. We were interested to understand more about her role and what she has to say about the state of children’s rights in Australia after her first eight months on the job. Read full article
Prominent Australian and New Zealand Doctors Say Stop Smacking
Today the Royal Australasian College of Physicians announced they are calling for law reform on the physical punishment of children - they are also urging parents and caregivers to consider alternatives to smacking. I say - good. And I hope the Children's Commissioner gets behind this initiative. We have asked the Commissioner for comments and hope to hear from her later today - I will update this post. Read full article
UNICEF Animation Explaining Children's Rights
UNICEF Australia has just released a short animation for children, their parents and teachers, to learn about child rights. The animation follows brother and sister, Jack and Ruby, and puts child rights into context using themes like bullying, poverty and the respect for another’s culture and beliefs. Read full article
Children Have Rights – Why Does that Make Some People Angry?
When someone publishes a piece in mainstream media using the term ‘children’s rights’ or something similar, there’s often a stream of angry and defensive comments from adults who flip the argument to questions like “what about the rights of parents?” – usually those comments also express annoyance at the focus on a child’s rights...My question is – what are adults scared of? Why does the term “children’s rights” make some adults uncomfortable? Read full article
National Children's Commissioner - A Champion for our Children
Opinion: Many would agree that Australia is, in so many ways, a great place to be a child. Many children have positive experiences and opportunities. Why then, does Australia need a National Children's Commissioner? Why should we welcome the announcement of the establishment of a commissioner as a major step forward in ensuring the best interests, needs and rights of all Australian children? Read full article
Popular Books
When Rosalind Wiseman published her bestseller Queen Bees and Wannabes in 2001, it...
Paperback Book$32.99 AUD
Talk Less Listen More provides parents with strategies and ideas on how to teach...
Paperback Book$29.99 AUD
When the Taliban took control of the Swat Valley, one girl spoke out; Malala Yousafzai...
Paperback Book$32.99 AUD