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Research
Maternal alcohol disorders and school achievement: a population cohort record linkage study in Western AustraliaChildren of mothers with alcohol use disorders are at risk of not meeting minimum educational benchmarks in numeracy and literacy, with the risk highest among Indigenous children.
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Adolescent perceptions of bystanders’ responses to cyberbullyingThis study explored the perceptions of, and key influences on, adolescent bystanders who witness cyberbullying
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Childhood obesity: what we have learnt from our failure to engage mothers in our interventionWith more than one in four Australian children overweight or obese, and the significant risks this poses for health problems like asthma, depression,...
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How Does Support From Peers Compare With Support From Adults as Students Transition to Secondary School?Students who expect and experience a positive transition to secondary school are generally well-supported by their peers, school, and family.
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Hypertensive diseases of pregnancy predict parent-reported difficult temperament in infancyThese data suggest that the link between maternal hypertensive diseases of pregnancy and child behavioral development begins in the first year of life.
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Smoking, mental illness and socioeconomic disadvantage: Analysis of the Australian National survey of mental health and WellbeingThere are strong socioeconomic and psychosocial gradients in both current smoking and smoking cessation.
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The psychosocial impact of rare diseases among children and adolescents attending mainstream schools in Western AustraliaLiving with a long-term medical condition is associated with heightened risk for mental health and psychosocial difficulties, but further research is required on this risk for children and adolescents with a rare disease in the educational setting. The aim of this study is to describe parents’ perceptions of the psychosocial impact of rare diseases on their school-aged children in Western Australia.
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Western Australian adolescent emotional wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have been vast and are not limited to physical health. Many adolescents have experienced disruptions to daily life, including changes in their school routine and family’s financial or emotional security, potentially impacting their emotional wellbeing.
Research
DETECT Schools Study Protocol: A Prospective Observational Cohort Surveillance Study Investigating the Impact of COVID-19 in Western Australian SchoolsAmidst the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, understanding the transmission dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is key to providing peace of mind for the community and informing policy-making decisions. While available data suggest that school-aged children are not significant spreaders of SARS-CoV-2, the possibility of transmission in schools remains an ongoing concern, especially among an aging teaching workforce. Even in low-prevalence settings, communities must balance the potential risk of transmission with the need for students' ongoing education.

The Human Development and Community Wellbeing (HDCW) Team focuses on improving outcomes for children, family, and the community.