Generation Next Blog

April 2012

We need to test NAPLAN for its effects on wellbeing

By |2012-08-17T17:52:09+10:00April 30th, 2012|Categories: Society & Culture|Tags: |

Every year NAPLAN tests come under the microscope and last year the media was awash with allegations of teachers cheating, parents refusing to allow their kids to take the test, and principals selecting new enrolments based on NAPLAN scores.  With stories like this it’s not surprising that anyone who wanted to condemn NAPLAN got their obligatory 3 minute [...]

Does Facebook Make You Feel Fat?

By |2012-08-17T17:52:22+10:00April 30th, 2012|Categories: Cybersafety|Tags: |

The Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt found half of Facebook users surveyed reported being more conscious of their weight and bodies after viewing Facebook photos, and one-third said they were sad after looking at photos, sparking concern the site may foster unhealthy body images."Facebook is making it easier for people to spend more [...]

A Video Game Designed to Treat Depression Worked Better Than Counselling

By |2012-08-17T17:53:03+10:00April 30th, 2012|Categories: Cybersafety, Society & Culture|Tags: , , |

 Researchers from the University of Auckland in New Zealand just published promising results of a study comparing a video game they designed to help treat depression in teenage kids against traditional face-to-face counseling. Called SPARX, the game guides the players through a number of challenges that help practice handling various life situations and emotions that [...]

The science of beer goggles

By |2012-08-17T17:53:27+10:00April 30th, 2012|Categories: Science & Research, Society & Culture|Tags: , |

You can take comfort from the fact that there is now academic underpinning for the effect known commonly as "beer goggles". In scientific terms, even a little alcohol reduces the ability to assess facial symmetry, which plays a key role in attractiveness and human mate selection.The effect is particularly pronounced in women, with female drinkers [...]

Youth justice system needs a cultural overhaul

By |2012-08-17T17:54:31+10:00April 28th, 2012|Categories: Society & Culture|Tags: |

Don Weatherburn, the director of the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, said the Young Offenders Act 1997 needed to be overhauled with a huge cultural shift away from a ''hands-off attitude''. ''We now know that youth justice conferencing doesn't work to reduce reoffending, which was the centrepiece of the state government's response to [...]

Tighten your belts, scientists tell the world’s rich

By |2012-08-17T17:54:54+10:00April 26th, 2012|Categories: Science & Research|

The world's wealthiest people must urgently reduce their consumption to save the Earth from a "vortex of economic, socio-political and environmental ills", a major report by Britain's leading scientific academy concludes. The Royal Society panel of 23 eminent academics from around the world in the fields of economics, population studies and conservation science, calls for [...]

Video Interview: Alcohol, Resilience, Pop Culture and the Brain

By |2012-08-17T17:55:20+10:00April 23rd, 2012|Categories: Drugs & Alcohol, Science & Research, Society & Culture, Video|Tags: , , , |

Alcohol, Resilience, Pop Culture and the Brain, Assoc Prof Mike Nagel, 14 mins from Generation Next on Vimeo. Associate Professor Mike Nagel Duration: 14 mins Assoc Prof Mike Nagel will be speaking at our Mental Health and Wellbeing Seminars on applying the new brain science to working with young people. The remaining seminars for this [...]

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