Study update

Welcome to Issue 5 of the Growing Up in Australia Study Update.

Thank you to everyone who has taken part in Wave 11 of Growing Up in Australia: The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. Your time and contribution help us build a richer picture of the lives of Gen Z Australians and their families. In this issue, we share a quick update on what’s been happening, highlight some new research findings, and share a few changes to how we’ll be keeping in touch from now on.

Study updates

Fieldwork update

Wave 11 is an important milestone as the study continues to follow participants into adulthood. This wave, we introduced new questions about food insecurity and nutrition, neurodiversity, respectful relationships and optimism for the future. The information shared will help researchers and policymakers better understand the experiences shaping the lives of young Australians. Thank you for your ongoing support.

A new look for our study updates

You might notice this update looks a little different. We’re moving to a more digital approach, with regular updates on the Growing Up in Australia website and newsletters like this one sent via email and SMS. We’ll also share one printed update later in the year. We hope this makes it easier and faster for you to access news, research findings and study updates!

Research findings from the Growing Up in Australia study

The Growing Up in Australia team has recently published new research using study data. You can view the full web articles and research reports on our website.

• Positive relationships with parents, peers and schools may help reduce suicide risk for young Australians
  Young people who felt more connected to their parents, friends and school during adolescence were less likely to report suicidal thoughts and behaviours a few years later. The findings highlight the importance of everyday support and connection as young people move into adulthood.
• How trust in public institutions and concerns about the environment are shaping young Australians’ hopes to have children
  Most young people in the study said they hoped to have children one day, but these hopes were linked to factors such as trust in public institutions and worries about jobs, the global economy, and the future environment. The findings highlight the complexities young people face when planning their futures.

Other published research using Growing Up in Australia data

Our data is freely available to researchers in Australia. Here are 3 recent studies we’ve highlighted:

• Study shows younger siblings have more screentime
  Researchers from Monash University and Lund University examined how birth order shapes the way children spend their time, finding that younger siblings are more likely to have more screentime.
• Pretend play is a magical part of childhood
  Researchers from the University of Sydney and the University of Melbourne found that stronger pretend play skills in toddlerhood were linked to fewer emotional and behavioural difficulties later in childhood.
• To improve children’s mental health, start by supporting their parents
  Researchers from Black Dog institute and Swinburne University found that children are more likely to develop mental health issues when their parents experience financial stress and housing instability.

Quick stats

We’re introducing a ‘quick stats’ section to the Study Update to help you get to know the Gen Z participants in the study better!

This issue, we’re sharing what you told us about how you’re engaging with political issues in your community. During Wave 10, we asked you what you had done over the past 5 years to express your views about something the government should or should not be doing. 41% of you answered this question, and this is what you said. 

In that time period:

Meet the Growing Up in Australia team

In the media

Growing Up in Australia findings continue to inform public discussion. In April, our Longitudinal Head Kirsten Campbell spoke on radio and with the Herald Sun about research showing how parent, peer and school connections may help reduce suicide risk.

School sport and music ‘just as important’ as lessons to cut teen suicide risk – Herald Sun, 22 April 2026

Informing government

Curious about how the Growing Up in Australia study is contributing to government discussions about the needs of young Australians? Evidence from the study regularly informs government on a range of topical issues. Most recently, Growing Up in Australia was referenced in a submission to the Senate Inquiry into the Quality and Safety of Australia's Early Childhood Education and Care System.

Have your contact details changed?

Please let us know about any recent changes to your residential address, email address or phone number using the secure contact details below:

• Website: Update your details
• Phone: 1800 005 508
• Email: [email protected]

Thank you again for being part of the Growing Up in Australia study. We hope you’ve enjoyed this update!