'One and done': How parental burnout is affecting Australia's birth rate
A national survey reveals that nearly 60 percent of Australian parents are experiencing psychological distress, affecting their parenting quality. Experts warn that this mental health crisis could contribute to the country's declining birth rate. Calls for increased support and community-based solutions are being emphasized to help alleviate these pressures.
- ▪The survey involved 10,000 parents and found that 12 percent reported high levels of psychological distress.
- ▪Experts indicate that poor parental mental health is linked to the record-low birth rate in Australia.
- ▪Community-based peer support programs could help alleviate some of the pressures faced by parents.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Calls to better support struggling parents as national survey reveals increasing psychological distress By national education and parenting reporter Conor Duffy and the Specialist Reporting Team's Rhiannon HobbinsTopic:ParentingThu 21 May 2026 at 5:34amThu 21 May 2026 at 5:34amThu 21 May 2026 at 5:34amCatherine Wade says parents across all demographics are struggling. (ABC News: Patrick Stone)In short:A national survey of 10,000 parents has found almost 60 per cent are experiencing psychological distress , which is impacting the quality of time they spend with their children.Experts have warned this could have dramatic consequences, with calls for governments to do more to address cost-of-living pressures and housing affordability.What's next?The survey authors say some pressures can be…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).