The early years of a child’s life provide the foundation for future heath, development and wellbeing. A positive start in life helps children to reach their full potential, while a poor start increases the chances of adverse outcomes. The Key National Indicators of Child Health, Development and Wellbeing measure the progress of Australia’s children aged 0–14 in the areas of health status, risk and protective factors influencing health and wellbeing, early learning and education, family and community environments, safety and security, and system performance.
A picture of Australia's children 2012
Information in these pages is taken from A picture of Australia's children 2012.
This report provides the latest information on how Australia is faring according to key indicators of child health, development, and wellbeing. Deaths rates for infants and children have declined since 1986, rates of risky drinking and smoking among children aged 12–14 are down, and most children achieve above the minimum standards for reading and numeracy. But there is still room for improvement. Almost one-quarter of children are developmentally vulnerable at school entry, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and children in socioeconomic disadvantaged areas are likely to fare worse across a broad range of indicators.