I'm in total sympathy with Dick Smith's sentiments; I only wish there were grounds for saying we Australians would never tolerate such appalling treatment of refugees being carried out in our name.
Hugh Mackay

But the rule seems to be that the bigger and more life-changing the decision, the less it will seem like a decision at all.
Hugh Mackay

On average, Australians watch more than three hours of television a day, compared with 12 minutes a day spent by the average couple talking to each other.
Hugh Mackay

But many researchers operate as if it is their responsibility to demonstrate that video violence has a direct effect on the behaviour of young children, because that will help to explain why society is becoming more violent.
Hugh Mackay

Even more worrying is the violence we do to our personal relationships when we let media consume time we might otherwise spend with each other.
Hugh Mackay

The underlying message of the Lancet article is that if you want to understand aggressive behaviour in children, look to the social and emotional environment in which they are growing up, and the values they bring to the viewing experience.
Hugh Mackay

Is it possible that literacy standards are falling because young Australians are growing up in a culture in which they can be entertained and informed, and in which they can communicate effectively, without having to master any but the most rudimentary literacy skills?
Hugh Mackay

Parents should be encouraged to read to their children, and teachers should be equipped with all available techniques for teaching literacy, so the varying needs and capacities of individual kids can be taken into account.
Hugh Mackay