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Teenagers

Concerns for outback students' mental health as mould infestation disrupts start to school year

A mould infestation at a Broken Hill high school is so severe the NSW Department of Education has declared it too dangerous for students to return, forcing them to start term one scattered around different campuses.
Teenagers in white and black school uniforms walk along a black fence.

They know it's harmful but young Australians still think it's cool to be tanned

Hearing "slip, slop, slap" and "no hat, no play" in childhood hasn't kept today's teens and young adults out of the sun. But there is hope social media campaigns can change attitudes about tanning.
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Three young women wearing bikinis smile. A graphic of sunscreen, sunglasses and a juice are in front of them.

Teens scare staff while 'swarming' remote supermarket, sparking fears of wider trend

Concerns are raised about groups of children stealing from supermarkets, after a "distressing" incident at a remote Kimberley store during which teens stole drinks and confectionary and tried to break into a cigarette cabinet.
Teenagers harass supermarket

Emma never planned on becoming a 'gaming mum'. It turns out that joining her son's games could have benefits beyond fun

New research shows more than half of young children who play online games wish their parents would game with them — and that joining in can help keep kids safe online.
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Mum Emma and son Julian gaming together on the couch.

Girl allegedly stabbed 10 times by woman at dance school

A 34-year-old Bundaberg South woman has faced court after a teen was treated for injuries to her back.
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Side photo of Queensland police car.

Living in south-west Sydney where it takes an hour to drive 30km

Young people say a "flaky" train system and limited bus timetable in Western Sydney leave them reliant on driving, as a state parliamentary inquiry considers the current and future needs of public transport in the booming region. 
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Teenage girl sitting inside a car holding a steering wheel

Roger Cook's stance on youth justice is markedly different from Mark McGowan's — he says it's about doing 'what's right'

Since becoming WA premier last year, Roger Cook has made youth justice a key part of his leadership, telling ABC state political reporter Keane Bourke the issue is too important to politicise.
A man in a dark suit with a red tie sits in a darkened room.

As another school year begins, what does the future hold for the class of 2023?

As another school year begins, the ABC speaks to 10 recent high school graduates from all over country Australia about their hopes, dreams and fears for the future. 
A profile shot of four young people.

In Alice Springs, rap is helping young people process their emotions and stay on track

As youth crime continues to dominate Alice Springs headlines, young people say rap classes are giving them a positive outlet.
A teen boy in a dark room in front of a microphone wearing a green cap

Zahli wanted to become a child safety officer. But heavy caseloads made her decision to walk away easier

The Queensland government has announced it's to increase the graduate salaries of child safety officers as experts say heavy caseloads and a lack of staff are creating delays in response times.
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Woman looks at camera with neutral expression

Queensland children in adult watchhouses could amount to ‘child abuse’

A Cairns psychologist working for the state government has gone public with her deep concerns about possible human rights breaches in police watch houses.
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ABC News Current
Duration: 7 minutes 13 seconds

Psychologist doesn't understand why Qld government accepts 'abhorrent conditions' in police watch house

Inside a watch house in Cairns, children as young as 10 are locked into cells designed for adults, sometimes four at a time with their mattresses on the floor.
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Photo of Cairns police watch house entrance including signs on door saying 'No Smoking'

Army cadets make a comeback as youths look to unlock leadership opportunities

Army cadets used to be in almost every school and country town. Over the years the program fell out of popularity, but now it seems numbers are rebounding.
A group of army cadets in uniform sitting around on seats and talking.

Angel never thought she'd see her niece again, then she saw a handprint at her high school

The vibrant handprint display tells hundreds of unique stories about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and culture and unites some of the country's most respected Indigenous trailblazers.
A young woman on the floor next to a wall covered in painted handprints.

Fourteen-year-old Canberra boy accused of driving stolen car in crash that killed 'mate' released on bail

A 14-year-old Canberra boy who was allegedly driving a stolen car at the time it collided with another vehicle, killing a 19-year-old man and injuring two other boys, is facing charges of culpable driving causing death, driving a motor vehicle without consent, and culpable driving causing grievous bodily harm.
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The scene of a car crash at night.

Young Canberra man Joshua Stewart killed in car crash where 14yo boy was allegedly at the wheel

Police allege four young people were in a stolen car when it ran a red light, killing one passenger. They say the driver was just 14 years old.
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The scene of a car crash at night.

Two teenagers in fatal car crash in Sydney's north-west remembered as 'beautiful boys'

Matthew Simpson and Addison Bhimjiani were passengers in a car being driven by another 17-year-old, when they ploughed into a power pole on Windsor Road on Monday night.
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Matthew Simpson, 16, and Addison Bhimjiani, 17 were passengers in a fatal car crash

Laser tag and hot meals: How Katherine is trying to help its young people stay out of trouble

Inside a community's attempts to steer its young people away from criminal choices.
A boy's face is illuminated by the red blow of a laser tag gun he is holding.

Why young Tasmanians who move to the mainland might be better off

Young people relocating interstate for work or study is a familiar story in Tasmania. New research shows those who leave the island state are better off when it comes to work and education outcomes.
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A young woman looks into the camera unsmiling, she is sat on a rattan chair next to a pot plant.

analysis:As a naïve teenager I learned the perks and pitfalls of paid work. I lost count of the times I was taken advantage of

The laws around the minimum age Australian kids can work are notoriously rubbery and, as any young worker will tell you, inconsistent or thoughtless laws leave young people vulnerable and open to exploitation, like I was, writes Virginia Trioli.
A barista makes a coffee on a machine at a cafe

In the wild jungles of Papua New Guinea, 21-year-old Cleo finally found peace

At 21 years old, Cleo Darke is older than many of the young men who fought and died on the Kokoda Track during World War II. It's something she thought about often as she retraced their steps.
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A young woman wearing hiking gear stands in a misty field amongst small tents.

'It was beautiful, so unexpected': Melissa gifted a new car after falling victim to harrowing youth crime attack

A traumatised mother of two has spoken out after a terrifying attack as acts of kindness remind her that Townsville is a caring and wonderful city.
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A woman with her hair in a bun and a blue shirt standing outside with her husband.

Troubled Victorian youth justice centre closed, but some say problems have 'just moved'

The state government has been urged to rethink its approach to youth justice, in response to escalating violence in its facilities. 
High security fence with tree in foreground

Vape ban will fuel violence and mental health issues among strung-out youths, psychologists warn

Youth workers and psychologists say more support will be needed for young people suffering withdrawals if new bans are successful. 
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Vaping

Mum of three left 'broken' after both family cars stolen while husband navigates brain cancer treatment

Mount Isa's Gemma Catchpole is proud to call the outback home, but feels let down by authorities after being targeted by thieves. She's calling for victims to "stand together" and demand action on youth crime.
A young woman wearing a blue shirt stares sadly at the camera