Wrapped in colourful packaging, sweet flavours and social media trends, vapes have taken over teenagers lives despite law restrictions. Recent data shows that it has become increasingly popular and raises many concerns about mental health impacts and long term health consequences. Ongoing data by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has shown a spike in vaping across Australia. Whilst normal cigarette smoking has continued to decline rapidly over recent years, vaping has taken off, creating major concerns about nicotine dependency. High School student, Jake Parsons, 17, said that at first vaping seemed harmless. “I feel like I’m stuck…
Author: Monique Mathieson
Rising costs of junior sport is reducing participation for young Australians, new research has found. A recent report from the Australian Sports Commission’s Ausplay survey has shown that over the past year prices for junior sport has soared in every state, making it difficult for Australians who struggle financially to afford to send their children to sport. UNICEF Deputy Director, Libby Hodgson said, in a media release, that government should step in and assist families. “Parents believe discounts and vouchers could help make it easier for children to participate in sports especially for households that have to make budget sacrifices,”…
Artificial intelligence is reshaping the Australian workforce, with research suggesting it will transform how people work and create new job opportunities. A recent report from Jobs and Skills Australia has found that AI is expected to affect many jobs through automation and augmentation, where technology supports workers to improve productivity. University of Queensland innovation expert Evan Shellshear said in a media release the impact of AI is affecting individual tasks within jobs, rather than replacing them entirely. “We’re seeing certain skills and parts of jobs disappearing, but not necessarily whole occupations disappearing,” he said. The study shows that jobs requiring…
Australians across the nation are feeling immense pressure due to the cost-of-living prices rapidly rising, with many having to re-think their spending habits. Over the past few months the cost of petrol, groceries, insurances and interest rates have all skyrocketed, leaving many families under significant financial strain. While some Australian wages have risen slightly, most Australians claimed that their incomes are not rising fast enough to keep up with the growing cost of living. Primary school teacher, Martine Davis said the rise in fuel has had a big impact on her family. “Living in a regional area where we…
A growing number of AFL players are being accused of exaggerating contact to win free kicks, sparking debate over whether the tactic is undermining the integrity of the game. What was once considered a smart way to gain an advantage is now drawing comparisons to soccer-style diving, with fans, commentators and former players calling for stronger action from umpires and the AFL to curb the practice. The AFL is experiencing mounting pressure as a growing number of players are ‘milking’ plays to earn free kicks and 50 metre penalties; a tactic critics say is the beginning to undermine the integrity…