News Corp Australia has unveiled Lockdown Kids: How to Break a Generation, a multi-platform editorial and documentary initiative poised to ignite crucial industry dialogue surrounding the long-term consequences of pandemic-era isolation on Australia’s youth.
Led by The Advertiser in Adelaide, the series is rolling out nationally across The Daily Telegraph, Herald Sun, and The Courier-Mail.
Mental health crisis among young Australians
The first episode, released today, highlights a stark youth mental health crisis, revealing that nearly four in ten high school students struggle with anxiety, while suicide remains the leading cause of death among young Australians.
Education system under strain
The second episode, launching tomorrow, uncovers alarming education gaps – nearly half a million students are skipping school regularly, 80,000 have disappeared from the system entirely, and one in five is dropping out before Year 12.
Social media and youth crime concerns
Running throughout the week, the special series also delves into the rise of social media addiction, anxiety-driven disorders like anorexia, and the troubling trend of youth crime fuelled by ‘posting and boasting’ on digital platforms.
The Advertiser editor Gemma Jones.
The Advertiser editor Gemma Jones said: “It is clear that five years on from the first lockdown too many Australian children are yet to recover from the effects of isolation and home schooling. It is vital we have a conversation about the welfare of Australian children and also weigh up whether shutting schools and locking kids up was the right policy response.”
The series speaks to a wide range of parents, children, experts and politicians including Federal Health Minister Mark Butler to discuss the issues and solutions.