STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Mr GREGG (Deakin) (13:34): Today I'm reading a speech from Vedant, a 12-year-old student in my electorate who wrote this contribution for Youth Voice in Parliament Week: One major issue shaping young people's futures is how poorly students are prepared for the transition from primary school to high school in Australia. Many students enter secondary school expecting supportive teachers, manageable work, and an easy environment.

Instead, they face a sudden increase in homework, assignments, deadlines, and pressure, leaving many overwhelmed. In many primary schools, especially public schools, expectations can be very lenient. Students often receive little homework, fewer consequences, and lower academic pressure.

While this may seem positive at first, it can leave students unprepared for the workload and discipline required in high school. As a result, some students lose motivation, fall behind academically, Stop caring about grades, and struggle to adapt. The growing influence of phones and social media has made this challenge even harder.

Many children are glued to their screen 24/7, unaware of how quickly expectations rise once they enter secondary school. A student may spend Year 6 relaxing after school, only to find themselves in Year 7 struggling to keep up with multiple assignments and study demands. Parliament should take meaningful action by improving the transition between primary and secondary education.

Schools could gradually introduce homework, stronger study habits, time-management skills, and clearer academic expectations in upper primary years. Programs that prepare students mentally and academically for high school would help reduce stress and improve long-term outcomes. Better preparation in education helps students succeed, reducing the risk of future unemployment, financial problems, and other long-term money struggles.