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Sydney councils are facing growing pressure over off-leash dog parks. Professor Susan Thompson from the School of Built Environment highlights that balancing environmental concerns with increasing demand for pet-friendly outdoor spaces is difficult, but off-leash parks offer “huge social benefits” for both dogs and owners.

The role of grandparental care is under the spotlight after a grandfather mistakenly collected the wrong child from a South Sydney daycare. As cost-of-living pressures rise, Dr Megan Blaxland from the Social Policy Research Centre highlights many working parents would "really struggle" without the vital support grandparents provide.

Dr Edgar Liu from the City Futures Research Centre discusses the rise of multigenerational living in Australia. While financial pressures often drive this choice, he notes that "companionship with the rest of the family" often becomes the most valued aspect.

Dr Helena Granziera from the School of Education discusses her recent study, which found 9 out of 10 Australian teachers experience severe stress and anxiety. She highlights the findings reveal a “systemic problem” that urgently requires government funding and “immediate policy changes.” [Timestamp 1:02:55]

As calls grow for warning labels to be added to alcohol containers, a parliamentary inquiry into alcohol's health impacts has been tabled for October. Dr Claire Wilkinson from the Drug Policy Modelling Program warns implementation may “face resistance” due to lobbying and donations from alcohol groups to the government.

Texting styles are shifting across generations, with younger people avoiding punctuation to soften tone. Professor Mira Kim from the School of Humanities & Languages notes “the younger generation tends to deliver messages in a much lighter tone,” using emojis and abbreviations to clarify meaning.

What makes a building beautiful? Professor Michael Ostwald from the School of Built Environment says our first impressions depend on "the relationship between what we’re expecting and [...] what’s new," but our sense of beauty also evolves over time "depending on our experience." [Timestamp 02:35:58]

Professor Michael Ostwald from the School of Built Environment shares his research into the science of beautiful buildings. He explains that what we find aesthetically pleasing is a balancing act: “we find things beautiful that are neither too simple nor dull on one side nor too complex and confusing on the other.” [Timestamp 01:49:27]

A recent survey of 5,000 primary and secondary school teachers has revealed 90% are experiencing extreme levels of stress due to workload. Dr Helena Granziera from the School of Education notes the findings indicate a “profession under extreme pressure” and stresses that “improving teacher wellbeing should be a priority for policy makers.”

Australian teachers are using TikTok to share burnout and quitting videos. With anxiety and depression rates twice the national average, Dr Helena Granziera from the School of Education notes mounting administrative tasks that take teachers away from their core duties are driving “burnout and a sense of professional disillusionment.”

Professor M. Hank Haeusler from the School of Built Environment discusses his team’s rollout of 3D-printed ‘BioShelters’ in Sydney Harbour. He notes the shelters are designed to restore oyster populations as well as support "seaweed, kelp and native fish species" affected by habitat loss due to urban development. [Timestamp 00:04:54]

Dr Helena Granziera from the School of Education shares her research into teacher wellbeing, with 91% of those surveyed reporting “moderate to extremely levels of stress.” She notes the findings paint "a really damning picture" of the profession, with broader implications for "schools, students and the broader society."

A new study has revealed an alarming number of Australian teachers are experiencing extreme stress, depression and anxiety, leading to many leaving the profession. Dr Helena Granziera from the School of Education says the findings are "clear evidence that improving teachers' working conditions is not just beneficial, it's essential."

Researchers in Amsterdam are conducting a unique study into the long-term impacts of abuse in very young children and the effects of disclosure. Dr Delanie Woodlock from the School of Social Sciences notes it is a “neglected area” due to assumptions about memory formation and the reality that "these children can't tell us about what's happened."

A rapid review of Victoria’s childcare sector has revealed urgent action is needed on a federal level. Professor Michael Salter from the School of Social Sciences emphasises "the Commonwealth needs to show leadership here" to ensure national regulatory consistency to stop offenders exploiting interstate loopholes.