“Behind The Votes” The EU Election: The Votes of a Continent
Earlier in the year, at the start of June, the European Union (EU) member states went to the polls to decide who would represent them in the European Parliament (EP). These elections spanned the 27 member states, with trends reflecting what has been seen globally.
“Behind The Votes” UK Election Part 2: The Changing of the Guard
Sunak called the election standing in the pouring rain, foreshadowing the downhill turn of the Tories. Due to the economic downfall they had sent the country into, along side disappearing trust due to instability and illegal activity, it was fair to say Britain had lost faith in the Tory government.
“Behind The Votes” UK Election Part 1: A Revolving Door of PMs
The UK election in July demonstrated just how much the English political climate has changed over the 14 years of Tory rule in the country. With many complex elements, I will aim to explain the lead up that led to the landslide win for Labour and what this means for the country going forward.
Is a social media ban worth its buck?
In May, the South Australian Government launched a feasibility study for a proposed ban on social media access for people under 16 years of age following mounting concerns about young people’s mental health. This comes after the February 2023 decision to ban the use of mobile phones in all South Australian public schools, responding to reports of ‘out of control’ bullying and deteriorating student performances in schools. But, is a social media ban worth its buck?
So… What’s Going On With Raygun?
And what flavour?
One of the biggest trends hitting the Gen Z zeitgeist, vaping had quickly risen to become the in thing for all young people to do. Coming to schoolyards near you, vaping offers many opportunities for young people to communicate, explore entrepreneurial hustles and find a pleasure away from the burden of schoolwork. The only catch – it’s killing you.
What is going on?
It is said we live in historic times. Recent events have taken this beyond the joke. In one month, we have seen the worst presidential television debate in history, the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump and the incumbent President Joe Biden withdraw from the race – despite being the presumptive nominee.
Australia has a new Governor-General, but what do they do?
The role of the Governor-General is becoming increasingly scrutinised for its actual relevance to Australia’s modern democracy. But is this critique really fair?
SA is banning political donations. Will it work?
The current draft legislation aims to safeguard democracy against third party interests. However, it is unclear whether it will strengthen our democracy, or just empower third party interests further.
Nuclear Australia, MAD enough to work?
Australia’s climate wars are nothing new. Since the Kyoto Protocol was signed in 1998, numerous governments (both Labor and Liberal) have failed to strengthen Australia’s energy standing, however can the Coalition’s public embrace of nuclear energy shift the debate?
Co-designing the menstrual education curriculum with the Department for Education SA
Up until now, students in the public schooling system have not been receiving sufficient education surrounding menstruation.
Enter, the Period Justice Working Group. A major player in the field of Period Justice, and an initiative from the Commissioner for Children and Young People SA, which is focused on bettering the awareness, education, and resources around periods for young people in South Australia.
The 2024 Budget: What’s in it for Australia’s Young People?
Every year, on a cool night in Autumn, the Australian Government releases their budget papers. The papers outline how the government plans to spend the country’s money over the coming years. It is a cornerstone of government policy and often a test to establish how well they are caretaking the economy.
The Power of ‘Skinfluencers’
It’s hard to ignore the ever-growing presence of tweens and teenagers in the country's makeup stores. Not only are they flooding the physical space, but young influencers’ ‘Get Ready with Me’ videos have shot up in popularity in the last 12 months.
Are young people the future of local government?
The South Australian government wants to increase record low voter turnout in local government elections. This begs the question, could young people be the solution?
Unrealistic body standards still impact young people
Within a couple taps, I can see what any celebrity, influencer or model is wearing or doing, and whatever product they are trying to sell. It is no surprise that young people who frequent Instagram or TikTok experience higher body dissatisfaction.
Say Bye Bye to BMI: Why The Body Mass Index has been removed from the 2024 Australian Curriculum
As of February 2024, after multiple advocacy campaigns, over 340 mentions of BMI, dieting, calorie counting and ‘good’ or ‘bad’ foods have been removed from the Australian Curriculum.
Australian Government Brings Youth to the Table
The Office for Youth has released a detailed strategy to assist the Australian Government to develop its relationship with Australian youth, while also offering an ambitious glimpse into a youth empowered future.
Cultural Phenomena of Fridge Magnets
Have you ever wondered what’s behind the cool, and sometimes even strange magnetic items we place on our fridges?
“You’re too young to have that”: JIA and Invisible Disabilities
When you think of disability, what comes to mind?
South Australian First Nations Voice to Parliament Explainer
On the 16th of March 2024, members for the South Australian First Nations Voice to Parliament will be elected through the democratic process of voting. This is your guide and explainer to all things SA First Nations Voice to Parliament.