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The new Northern Territory government has promised to return the age of criminal responsibility to ten. Victoria has backed out of raising it to 14, which the United Nations says should be the minimum.
What does neuroscience say? As Susan Sawyer and Nandi Vijayakumar explain, early adolescence (roughly ages 10–14) is crucial for children to develop an understanding of the consequences of their decisions. And the brain doesn’t reach full maturity until well into adulthood.
Teens’ brains can understand right and wrong. But research shows factors such as powerful emotions or peer pressure leave them more likely than adults to make risky decisions.
What this means for the age of criminal responsibility is a matter for public debate. But knowing what the science says is the first step towards getting the balance right.
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Ruth McHugh-Dillon
Assistant Health Editor
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Susan M. Sawyer, The University of Melbourne; Nandi Vijayakumar, Deakin University
Social rewards, emotions and the chance to experience something new all have a strong bearing on children’s decisions in the moment — possibly more than whether it is right or wrong.
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Michelle Grattan, University of Canberra
The CFMEU is raging about being routed by a government that had no option – after turning a blind eye for too long to known and suspected malfeasance.
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Michelle Grattan, University of Canberra
An “aviation industry ombuds scheme with a disability will be among measures the federal government will announce on Monday to force airlines to address the extensive public discontent.
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Liam Moore, James Cook University
When Australian leaders go to the main Pacific nations meeting, there’s a fossil fuel elephant in the room.
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Richard Meade, Griffith University
Repurposing fossil fuel infrastructures to supply clean fuels might make more immediate economic and environmental sense than mass electrification of transport and industry.
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Anya Schiffrin, Columbia University
A tech tax on companies like Google and Meta might be another way to make them pay for the news they use to win customers and make money.
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Monica Whitty, Monash University
Cybercriminals are exploiting the growing market for online clicks. But there are measures to prevent this new kind of fraud.
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Ben McCann, University of Adelaide
Step aside Bandit. With Father’s Day around the corner, it’s time to recognise Daddy Pig for the great father he is.
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Hassan Kalantari Daronkola, Swinburne University of Technology
New research finds having a self-employed partner can significantly reduce your life satisfaction. The more you value family, leisure and your own job, the greater the effect.
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Sasha Bailey, University of Sydney; Cristyn Davies, University of Sydney; Ken Pang, Murdoch Children's Research Institute; Rachel Skinner, University of Sydney
Transgender children and adolescents use puberty blockers to help prevent the masculinising or feminising physical changes that occur during puberty.
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Nick Haslam, The University of Melbourne
We can’t isolate human misery from its broader context. But while adverse environments play a role in the youth mental health crisis, culture is crucial too.
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Politics + Society
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Michael O'Keefe, La Trobe University
Organised crime has taken root in the Pacific and many countries are struggling to respond.
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Hunter Bennett, University of South Australia; Joel Garrett, Griffith University
New research has revealed key injury pattern differences between men and women footballers, with concussion rates especially concerning.
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Xavier J Mills, Swinburne University of Technology; Sal Clark, Swinburne University of Technology
The government has decided against including questions about sexuality and gender identity in the 2026 Census. How can it make policy for LGBTQI+ people without such basic data?
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Health + Medicine
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Evangeline Mantzioris, University of South Australia
Many people on TikTok are touting chocolate milk as a post-workout recovery drink. It turns out there is some evidence it offers benefits comparable to sports drinks.
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Science + Technology
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Cassandra Cross, Queensland University of Technology
The world of romance scams – when people exploit a relationship for financial gain or other crimes – is brutal. Raising awareness can help everyone stay safe.
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Environment + Energy
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Mia Cobb, The University of Melbourne
The researchers hope the findings will help dog owners make more informed decisions when selecting their next furry friend.
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Alison Reeve, Grattan Institute
Increased investment in electricity generation, transmission and storage has led to a more positive outlook for the reliability of the system – if these projects are delivered on time.
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Philip Oldfield, UNSW Sydney; Gerard Reinmuth, University of Technology Sydney; William Craft, UNSW Sydney
Construction activity will use up almost half of the world’s remaining carbon budget to keep global warming under 1.5°C unless we totally rethink our approach.
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Education
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Gwilym Croucher, The University of Melbourne; Christopher Ziguras, The University of Melbourne
This week, Education Minister Jason Clare made an announcement that could reshape the landscape of international education in Australia.
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Arts + Culture
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Phoebe Hart, Queensland University of Technology; Cherine Fahd, University of Technology Sydney; Erin Harrington, University of Canterbury; Joy McEntee, University of Adelaide; Michelle Arrow, Macquarie University
Documentaries both old and new shine in this month’s pickings from our experts.
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Books + Ideas
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Olivera Simic, Griffith University
Dennis Glover asks where the world might be heading and warns that maybe the endgame has already begun.
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Business + Economy
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Alexander Plum, Auckland University of Technology; Kabir Dasgupta, Auckland University of Technology
As AI and automation transform the workplace, a universal basic income is one possible solution. But research is beginning to show the unpredictable outcomes of such unconditional cash transfers.
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Featured Events, Courses & Podcasts
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2 - 6 September 2024
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Carlton
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3 September 2024
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Sydney
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4 September - 2 October 2024
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