Latest news with #McCrindle
Herald Sun
4 days ago
- Politics
- Herald Sun
Nova 96.9's Fitzy and Wippa back ABCs and PM's Spelling Bee
Don't miss out on the headlines from National. Followed categories will be added to My News. Battle-weary mums and dads skidding into term 3 convinced it's time for operation damage control can take some comfort in knowing that they're not alone. Even Nova 96.9's famously laconic radio personality Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald, father to Hewie, 16, and Lenny, 12, feels major social transformations like social media, AI and geopolitical tensions have disproportionately pulled focus. 'We've got a couple of wars … it is quite confusing at the moment,' Fitzy said. 'There's a lot of uncertainty out there.' But have these global forces distracted all the adults in the room from adequately monitoring Australian children's literacy development? That's a question worrying the majority of parents. Exclusive new research reveals 64 per cent of Australian school parents (K-12) fear kids' education is at risk of becoming collateral damage as societal stresses mount. Fitzy & Wippa, pictured in the 96.9 studio at Nova Radio in Sydney, joined the launch of the PM's Spelling Bee. Picture: Justin Lloyd. Two in three parent respondents 'worry the education of this generation is being overlooked and damaged in the face of growing societal change and the pressures on families'. That concern peaks for children in junior primary, with 72 per cent of surveyed parents in agreement. The survey of 1307 Australians – conducted exclusively for Kids News as part of the June 2025 Lighthouse Consumer Tracker, by News Corp Australia's Growth Intelligence Centre (GIC) – comes as the free classroom news site's flagship literacy initiative, the Prime Minister's Spelling Bee, opens for its fifth year on Monday. After the competition's record 70,557 student registrations last year, leading social demographer Mark McCrindle said the PM's Spelling Bee's surging popularity nationwide was part of a 'corrective' movement 'back to the real world'. 'We do need to master English for our future and parents are pretty clear on that,' Mr McCrindle said. 'Can our children write? Can they construct sentences? That (GIC) survey picked that up … literacy and numeracy really are front of mind for parents, through that practical lens of what it means for their (children's) future.' Recent McCrindle research has itself found that while parents support wellbeing as a focus in schools, they also want to know that students are equipped 'with foundation learning blocks and therefore with the ability to thrive'. Leading Australian demographer Mark McCrindle. 'That's why we're starting to see an intense focus back on the basics,' Mr McCrindle said. 'There's a need for priority and a recognition that maybe we've eased off a bit too much on the foundation responsibility of schools, and that's to deliver on numeracy and literacy.' The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) CEO Stephen Gniel agreed that 'early intervention is the key to improving educational outcomes'. As the nation's main measure of kids' essential literacy skills and knowledge, Mr Gniel said the results of ACARA's NAPLAN assessments were an important tool for teachers and parents 'to identify if a student is at risk of falling behind'. Registrations and the school round for the fifth annual Prime Minister's Spelling Bee open at 9am AEST on Monday 21 July. Now established on the annual calendar for educators teaching across years 3-8, the Prime Minister's Spelling Bee is an additional tool, delivered in schools as a free, fun challenge that kids simply enjoy. 'Literacy is one of the foundational skills that underpins learning and life, so it is fantastic that the Prime Minister's Spelling Bee is highlighting this important issue,' Mr Gniel said. News Corp Australia community ambassador Penny Fowler said the fifth year of competition was cause for celebration. 'The Prime Minister's Spelling Bee has fantastic momentum, growing in popularity every year and bringing to the fore the critical role literacy plays in educating young Australians and positively impacting their path to adulthood,' Ms Fowler said. 'Amid concerns about children's social media exposure, it's inspiring to see so many embrace the written word to unlock a lifetime of learning, reflecting Kids News' belief that education is an investment in future generations.' News Corp Australia community ambassador Penny Fowler said the fifth year of the Prime Minister's Spelling Bee was cause for celebration. Picture: David Caird Fitzy's Nova co-host and devoted father of three Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli said the PM's Spelling Bee 'rewards concentration, curiosity and persistence'. 'Every child deserves the chance to shine through effort, not algorithms,' Wippa said. 'A good old-fashioned spelling bee offers more than just a chance to memorise words – it helps kids to slow down and build confidence at a time when many are overwhelmed.' Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli pictured at home with his family, from left Francesca, Wippa, Jack, Lisa and Ted. Wippa is a strong advocate of raising the minimum age for social media use and is an active supporter of the 36 Months campaign. Picture: Sam Ruttyn A big believer in cultivating resilience in kids, Fitzy said the Bee was 'an unbelievable confidence-building' initiative. 'We need to start learning and adapting, combining the latest technology with those basic skills of literacy, English, grammar that we grew up with,' he said, likening his own sons' development to 'getting into the gym':'You're not going to see results straightaway, but when you do start seeing results, it's really fulfilling.' Catch Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie from 6am at Nova 96.9 in Sydney and nationally on Nova Player. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese launched the milestone birthday of the Prime Minister's Spelling Bee with the help of Rockdale Public School. These students were finalists in the NSW Premier's Spelling Bee and principal Amy Ha said the school was entering the national spelling challenge for the first time in 2025. Picture: Jonathan Ng ABOUT THE BEE ● The Prime Minister's Spelling Bee is a free, online competition for students in Years 3-8. ● Students compete at their school in three levels: Green level for Years 3-4, Orange level for Years 5-6 and Red level for Years 7-8. ● They get 30 randomly selected words from their competition level and have 25 seconds to type each answer. The students with the most correct words in the fastest time progress to finals. ● Teachers can register their students from July 21 when the school round begins. ● The school round ends on August 22. State and territory finals will be held September 1-5 and the national finals on September 10-11. ● The national champion in each age group wins a trip to Canberra to meet the Prime Minister, an iPad, HarperCollins book pack and a $1000 voucher for their school. Details: The PM's Spelling Bee is the flagship literacy initiative of free classroom news site FROM 'FUTURE STRESS TO CAN-DO KIDS Parents are worried children will pay the price for today's pressures and uncertainties – and kids are feeling it too. Research by online mental health service ReachOut found nearly half of 16-18 year olds (43 per cent) said 'future stress' was one of the issues concerning them most. ReachOut clinical governance lead Linda Williams. Picture: supplied ReachOut clinical governance lead Linda Williams said young Australians' worries included climate anxiety, world news and future jobs. While solid foundation literacy skills like spelling will always help young Aussies prosper, Ms Williams said ReachOut had some building blocks for parents to help children unburden themselves and embrace the future as can-do kids: Maintain open communication 'Regular check-ins about how they're going can be really helpful to understand what challenges they are dealing with, how these might change over time and how (difficulties) are impacting (them). Approaching conversations … with curiosity can help.' Try not to minimise or dismiss their feelings 'Trying to understand where they are coming from, what's causing them stress and how it's impacting them is a really important first step, which can come from conversations but also from observing their mood and any changes.' Identify options 'Once you understand more it can become more clear what kind of support and coping strategies could be helpful. That could include things like mental health support, scheduling in times for hobbies they love and screen breaks.' Practice self-care 'Parents are sometimes dealing with similar challenges themselves in real time too. (Having) the energy to support your young person when they need you is also vital,' Ms Williams said. ReachOut supports Australian parents and kids at Originally published as Era of uncertainty has put focus for kids' education back on basics
Sky News AU
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
'Do your research': Tattoo removal myths busted as stars go under the laser, plus which Aussie state tops the ink charts
With shirts off and sleeves rolled up for summer, many Australians have been forced to confront their ink head-on, and for a growing number, winter is prime time to start the removal process. As celebrities like Dune star Josh Brolin, Victoria Beckham and comedian Pete Davidson begin erasing their body art, experts say everyday Aussies are following suit, triggering a surge in laser tattoo removal across the country. According to 2023 data from McCrindle, around 30 per cent of Australians have at least one tattoo, up from 20 per cent in 2018. Tattoos have found particular popularity among Australian women, with one in three (33 per cent) inked, compared to just 26 per cent of men. "This gendered preference showcases the growing acceptance of tattoos as a means of self-expression and personal adornment among women," McCrindle said. Queensland tops the list when it comes to the most tattooed state, with 36 per cent of residents sporting ink, followed by South Australia (33 per cent), and Western Australia (30 per cent). Victoria and the Northern Territory come in next at 29 per cent each, while NSW sits at 26 per cent. The ACT and Tasmania round out the list at 22 and 21 per cent, respectively. While most Aussies get their first tattoo between the ages of 18 and 24, but as time goes on, the ink doesn't always hold the same appeal. A quarter of Australians (23 per cent) now say they regret at least one of their tattoos, up from one in five (20 per cent) in 2018. That might explain why Australian-based tattoo removal company Removery Australia has seen a 30 per cent jump in removal treatments over the past year alone. Jason Erwin, Director of Operations at Removery Australia, said a growing number of clients are referencing celebrity tattoo removal journeys as inspiration. "Celebrities are just like anyone else- they have lifestyle changes, shifts in their careers, and ultimately can rethink their body art," Erwin told "When a high-profile celebrity documents or discusses their tattoo removal journey, it increases awareness of the service and tends to support a normalisation and acceptance for the wider public." Brolin, for example, recently revealed on Instagram that he was having his back tattoo removed "because he didn't need it anymore", joking that his natural edge was "intimidating enough". Meanwhile, Victoria Beckham opened up about having the initials of husband David Beckham removed from her wrist. "I had these tattoos a long, long time ago, and, they just weren't particularly delicate," she told US morning program TODAY. "My husband has so many gorgeous tattoos, and the children do, and they're very fine… But mine were just a little bit thick, and they were bleeding a little bit and just not looking as pretty." According to Erwin, the most common reason Australians seek removal is simply that their tattoo no longer suits their current life. "Tattoos relating to old partners account for roughly 13 per cent of removals," he said. "These clients are now at a different stage of their lives and their tattoos no longer suit their lifestyle or reflect who they are." Other top reasons include poorly designed artwork (18 per cent), changing taste in tattoo style (12 per cent), and placement in a highly visible area that can't be easily hidden (nine per cent). And winter, Erwin said, is one of the best times of year to start the removal process. "Less sun exposure to a tattoo that is being removed means simpler aftercare, quicker healing time, and less time for your body to process out the ink," he explained. Thankfully, Irwin said, modern laser technology has made the process far more precise and far less painful than many expect. While full removal typically takes between eight and twelve sessions spaced at least six weeks apart, it's also possible to fade a tattoo enough to allow for new ink in the same spot. "Because the technology we use is non-invasive, the surrounding skin is unharmed and able to be tattooed as it would have been beforehand," Erwin said. "We recommend clients wait at least six weeks after their laser treatment before getting tattooed in that area, but ideally waiting three months or longer will provide the best results." Although tattoo removal is becoming increasingly common, Erwin said the most important step is doing your research. "When choosing a service provider, key things to note are what technology is being used, their tattoo removal experience, and whether they have a solid library of results and client reviews," he said. "Whether you're regretting your tattoo 24 hours after getting it, or 10 years later, the most important thing is knowing your options."
Daily Mail
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The once-popular baby names now on the verge of extinction in Australia - so is yours on the list?
Baby names millions of parents loved in the '90s and early 2000s are now rapidly falling out of fashion in Australia. The latest Baby Names report by McCrindle reveals that many of the country's once popular baby names are slipping - or have slipped - out of the top 100 and could soon disappear altogether. For boys, the biggest drop has been the name Jake - which has plunged a significant 276 places in the rankings since 2010. Once a classroom staple, the name is now close to extinction. Other names that have seen significant declines include Tyler, Matthew, Hayden and Mitchell, all of which were in the top 40 just over a decade ago and are now out of the top 100. Blake, Dylan, Connor, Nicholas and Luke, long considered safe and solid choices, have also fallen off the list. And while traditional biblical names like Benjamin, Daniel and Jacob are declining, their counterparts - Noah, Elijah, Ezra and Levi - are on the rise, signalling a shift in taste among Gen Alpha parents. For girls, it's an even sharper fall. Jessica, once the 'queen of baby names' in Australia, has dropped 270 places since 2010. At its peak in the mid-1990s, one in every 30 baby girls was named Jessica. Now, it's barely used. Other girls' names following a similar path include Chelsea, Alyssa, Tahlia, Sarah, Holly, Madison, Hayley, Lilly and Lara - all of which have tumbled from their former top 40 positions and no longer appear in the top 100. Even stylish favourites like Harlow, Quinn, Cleo and Thea have now been edged out of the top 100 in 2025, showing just how quickly trends can change. So, why the sudden shift? Experts say it's all about originality. Parents are increasingly looking for names that feel fresh but aren't too 'out-there'. Shorter, punchier names with two syllables - like Isla, Leo, Luca and Mila - are dominating the charts, while old-fashioned, vintage-sounding names like Florence, Arthur and Violet are making strong comebacks. Pop culture and global influence also play a huge role. Names from streaming shows, viral TikTok trends and international celebrity babies are all shaping what Australian parents find fashionable. According to McCrindle, today's parents are after a name that feels stylish and unique - but still easy to pronounce at the playground. But don't be too quick to mourn the loss of Jessica or Jake just yet. Naming trends are cyclical - what disappears now could make a triumphant return in 20 years as a 'retro classic'.
Time Out
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
These 20 baby names could disappear from Australia by the next generation
Naming a baby is one of the most monumental decisions you'll have to make in life. As long as you avoid Australia's list of banned baby names, the options are endless. Parents these days are naming their kids after everything from celebrities and cities to flowers, family members and even food (looking at you, little Kale). While the top baby names in Australia vary slightly each year, some once-popular classics have taken a serious nosedive – and are at risk of vanishing from the next generation. McCrindle 's latest ranking of the most popular baby names in Australia was extra special as it marked the final chapter of Generation Alpha (born 2010-2024). To close the chapter, the research firm has dug into the longer-term data to reveal which names have seen the biggest decrease in popularity over the past 15 years. Chances are, you've met a Jake or Jessica at some point – but those two names have seen the largest drop in popularity from 2010 to 2025, slipping 276 and 270 places respectively. Other boys' names that have also seen a big decline in rank include Tyler, Matthew, Hayden, Mitchell, Blake, Dylan, Connor, Nicholas and Luke. Meanwhile, that list also includes Chelsea, Alyssa, Tahlia, Sarah, Holly, Madison, Maddison, Hayley, Lilly and Lara for girls. Baby names tend to follow generational cycles, and many of the names at risk of disappearing were hugely popular in the 1990s and early 2000s – which explains why your school roll had at least three Matthews and a couple of Sarahs. But today's parents are ditching these overly familiar, traditional Anglo names in favour of something more unique – think globally inspired, gender-neutral and suited to a more digital age. Just please tell us you don't actually know a baby called Siri?! However, history has proven that once-favourite names can make a nostalgic comeback – so we may not have seen the last of these at-risk names just yet! The top 10 boys' names on the decline in Australia right now Jake Tyler Matthew Hayden Mitchell Blake Dylan Connor Nicholas Luke The top 10 girls' names on the decline in Australia right now Jessica Chelsea Alyssa Tahlia Sarah Holly Madison Maddison Hayley Lilly Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Australia newsletter 👼🏼 The 10 most popular baby names in Australia for 2024 😱 Australia's list of 89 illegal baby names 🐶
Daily Mail
27-04-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
Australia's birth rate drops to an all-time low - and the reason behind the alarming trend
Australia's birth rate is at an all-time-low with many young Aussies blaming the cost-of-living crisis for their decision to not have children. Australian Bureau of Statistics data showed the country's birth rate has halved since 1960 with 52 per cent of Aussies under the age of 35 delaying their family plans. Among the highest reasons for people choosing to have children later in life, or not at all, were finances, career and relationships. The cost of raising a child was the biggest factor with 49 per cent of childless young adults citing it as the main reason. Others blamed job security, housing and mental health concerns. The decision to have kids later in life was reflected in an increased median age of parenthood which rose to 31.9 for mothers and 33.8 for fathers. Families are also having less children with the birth rate dropping from 3.55 children per woman in 1960 to 1.5. 'Desire for personal freedom and flexibility (eg travel, hobbies)' was also in the top 10 concerns for people having kids at 19 per cent. McCrindle social researcher Geoff Brailey added Aussies that do want children are choosing to have smaller families. 'I think this complex equation of establishing a career is important, finding security amidst uncertainty is important, and that's both financial. It's also that mental health and managing mental wellbeing,' he told the Courier Mail. Founder Mark McCrindle claimed the growing preference for smaller families would 'reshape society for decades to come' as it meant the birth rate was not high enough to sustain the current population. The survey results were widely reflected in online comments with many young Australians agreeing they wouldn't have children until their 30s, mostly due to the costs involved. 'Who can afford to have kids! Childcare, medical costs, cost of living in general,' one wrote. 'With the current huge housing prices and costs of living. How is anyone affording to start a family? No wonder the birth rates are dropping,' another said. 'I would not start a family if I was in that era of life. As it is my children's outlook is very bleak. I wish I had known what hell they were going to be trying to live in,' another wrote. 'It's scary having kids these days. Most people can't afford to support themselves let alone add children to that,' another said. 'They are being clever. The future seems a little scary at the moment,' another wrote. Others, like 20-year-old Nicole Hanssens, have used the decreased pressure to have children as a young adult to decide whether they'd be good parents or not. Ms Hanssens was blunt in saying she didn't want kids. 'I don't think that's ever going to change,' she said. 'I can barely look after myself, let alone a whole other human being.'
