Australian teens learn about the dangers of smoking in the classroom, but is there an extra role for parents to play?

In this episode of the Kids Health Info podcast, our host, Dr Anthea Rhodes, is joined by Respiratory Specialist, Dr Moya Vandeleur, to explain the facts about nicotine that parents need to know.

Exploring the challenges that parents face in having conversations with their teens about cigarettes, vapes and oral nicotine pouches, this episode covers the impacts these products can have and unpacks the myth that there is any ‘healthy’ form of nicotine consumption.

Parents seeking support to navigate the quitting process with their teens can visit: https://www.quit.org.au/en

Kids Health Info is funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal.

Explore more by reading our Kids Health Info fact sheet and share our Teen Health Info fact sheet with your young person.

Few things are more frightening for a parent than seeing their child have a seizure — especially when it’s unexpected and linked to a fever. In this episode, host Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by Emergency Department doctor Sandy Hopper to help parents understand febrile seizure. They explain what febrile seizures are, why they happen, how common they are, and what parents should do if their child experiences one. With calm, clear advice and expert insight, this episode helps parents understand the difference between febrile convulsions and other types of seizures and offers reassurance about what to expect if it happens to your child.

Kids Health Info is funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal.

Explore related Kids Health Info fact sheets here: Kids Health Info : Febrile seizures

The social media delay is now in place and Australian teens aged under 16 will no longer be able to access some online platforms. But now what? How can parents support their teens through this transition and what else should they be doing to make sure their children can thrive in an increasingly online world? Host Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by Paul Clark, Executive Manager, Education Prevention and Communities at the eSafety Commission to discuss what parents need to know about these topics and more.

In an ever-changing world it can feel challenging to know what to teach your children about online safety and what you should be doing to support them. This episode contains some simple tips that families can put in place to help set their children up for success and safety. Parents can learn more about screen time and social media here: Kids Health Info : Screen time and social media – teens and young people

We have also developed a version of this fact sheet that you can share with your teen: Teen Health Info : Screen time and social media

Learn more about the regulations and support available at eSafety.gov.au: Social media age restrictions hub | eSafety Commissioner

If you or your teen need to speak to someone, there is support available:

Kids Helpline: Kids Helpline | Phone Counselling Service | 1800 55 1800

Lifeline: Home | Lifeline

Headspace: headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation

Kids Health Info is funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal.

Sunscreen has been in the spotlight over the past few months, making it tough for parents to know what products they can trust to keep their kids safe.

In this bonus episode of the Kids Health Info podcast, our host, Dr Anthea Rhodes, is joined by Dr Susan Robertson, Director of Dermatology at The Royal Children’s Hospital to unpack some of the mystery surrounding sun protection.

Exploring ways to keep your family safe this summer, they unpack how you can check the sunscreen you have purchased and explain the other essential steps you should be taking to protect yourself and your family from harmful sun exposure.

In the episode, the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods was discussed. You can check the ARTG number of any product by visiting their website: Searching the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) | Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)

Kids Health Info is funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal.

Explore related Kids Health Info fact sheets here: Kids health info fact sheet: https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Sun_safety/

Information to share with your teenager: https://www.rch.org.au/teeninfo/fact-sheets/Staying_safe_in_the_sun

Thunderstorms and asthma might seem like an unlikely pair — but for some children, stormy weather can trigger sudden and severe breathing problems. In this episode, host Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by Emergency Department specialist Dr Tristan Harding to unpack the phenomenon of thunderstorm asthma. They explain what it is, why it happens, which children are most at risk, and how parents can prepare during storm season. Whether your child has asthma, hay fever, or just gets a bit wheezy, this episode offers practical advice to help everyone breathe easier when the winds pick up.

Kids Health Info is funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal.

Explore related Kids Health Info fact sheets here: Kids Health Info : Thunderstorm asthma Check the forecast for thunderstorm asthma by using the Melbourne Pollen App: Mobile App - Melbourne Pollen

From backyard bee stings to jellyfish encounters at the beach, bites and stings are a common reason kids end up in the Emergency Department. In this episode, host Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by Emergency Department doctor Tristan Harding to explore what parents need to know about bites and stings — including insect bites, spider bites, snake bites, and marine stingers like jellyfish. They discuss what’s mild, what’s serious, and what to do in the moment. Whether it’s swelling, pain, or a potential allergic reaction, this episode helps parents feel prepared and confident when nature gets a little too close.

Kids Health Info is funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal Explore related Kids Health Info fact sheets here: Kids Health Info : Insect bites and stings

Rashes are a common concern for parents — but not all rashes are cause for alarm. In this episode, host Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by Emergency Department Dr Fiona Reilly to unpack the wide world of rashes in children. They explore what different rashes can mean, which ones are linked to infections, allergies or serious illness, and how to tell when a rash needs urgent medical attention. Whether it’s spots, bumps, blotches or hives, this episode helps parents feel more confident navigating the skin signs that can leave them guessing. 

Kids Health Info is funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal. 

Explore related Kids Health Info fact sheets here: Kids Health Info : Rashes 

Parents seeking more information about eczema can visit our Kids Health Info fact sheet on the topic here: Kids Health Info : Eczema (atopic dermatitis) 

Thunderstorms and asthma might seem like an unlikely pair — but for some children, stormy weather can trigger sudden and severe breathing problems. In this episode, host Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by Emergency Department specialist Dr Tristan Harding to unpack the phenomenon of thunderstorm asthma. They explain what it is, why it happens, which children are most at risk, and how parents can prepare during storm season. Whether your child has asthma, hay fever, or just gets a bit wheezy, this episode offers practical advice to help everyone breathe easier when the winds pick up.

Kids Health Info is funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal Explore related Kids Health Info fact sheets here: Kids Health Info : Thunderstorm asthma

Check the forecast for thunderstorm asthma by using the Melbourne Pollen App: Mobile App - Melbourne Pollen

Giving medicine to children can be one of the most stressful parts of parenting — especially when they refuse, spit it out, or cry at the sight of a syringe. In this episode, host Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by Dr Amanda Stock from our Emergency Department to explore the common challenges parents face when giving medicine to kids. They share practical tips for making the process smoother and advice on how parents can feel in control of these situations. Whether it’s antibiotics, pain relief, or allergy treatments this episode helps parents feel more confident and less alone in the medicine struggle.

Kids Health Info is funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal

Explore related Kids Health Info fact sheets here: KidsHealthInfo Factsheets: How to give your child medicine

Lean about pill swallowing techniques for kids here:

RCHTV: A child's guide to hospital: oral medications

KidzMed: e-learning for healthcare

Penis pain in children can be alarming for parents and confusing for kids — but not all causes are serious. In this episode, host Dr Anthea Rhodes is joined by Emergency Department Doctor, Bec Hughes to unpack the common reasons children can present to the ED with pain in the penis.

Unpacking the conditions and injuries that can lead families to head to the Emergency Department, they explore what to look out for and when to seek help.

A must-listen for any parent wanting to feel more confident navigating this sensitive topic.

Note: across the course of the episode our doctors mostly refer to ‘children’ rather than using gendered terms. This decision was made to ensure the information supports all children who may be impacted by these concerns.

Kids Health Info is funded thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal.

Explore related Kids Health Info fact sheets here: Kids Health Info : Penis and foreskin care