The developmental vulnerability of children also differed across demographic factors.
Sex
In 2018, boys were around twice as likely to be developmentally vulnerable on one or more and two or more domains than girls.
Boys were also more likely to be developmentally vulnerable across each domain than girls. This sex difference has been consistent in the AEDC since 2009 (Figure 3). The AEDC has noted that sex differences in academic performance resolve by Year 9; however, data is not available on the outcomes of early sex differences in social and emotional development in Australia (AEDC 2014).
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australian status
Indigenous children were twice as likely to be developmentally vulnerable as non-Indigenous children in 2018.
In 2018, 41% of Indigenous children were developmentally vulnerable on one or more domain(s). The proportion of developmentally vulnerable Indigenous children declined between 2009 and 2018 (Figure 3).
Socioeconomic area
Children living in low socioeconomic areas were more likely to be developmentally vulnerable on one or more domains than children living in other socioeconomic areas.
In 2018, 32% of children in the lowest areas were developmentally vulnerable, compared with 15% of children in the highest areas. This was consistent between 2009 and 2018 (Figure 3).
Remoteness area
Children living in Very remote areas were more likely to be developmentally vulnerable than children in other remoteness areas.
In 2018, 46% of children in Very remote areas were developmentally vulnerable, compared with 21% of children living in Major cities (Figure 3).