From cyberbullying to safety at home, new research from Flinders University strongly supports the findings of an extensive survey of more than 1,600 children in South Australia which calls for a formal and more “powerful” advocate for their rights.

“What we consistently hear, both in South Australia and in overseas studies, is that children and young people want a Children’s Commissioner or ‘champion’ for their best interests,” says Professor Phillip Slee, from Flinders’ School of Education.

“Children want to be heard by someone who listens and really understands their points of view,” he says, pointing to evidence of widespread concerns about appearance, health and wellbeing, bullying and personal safety. Full story.