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This can be a confusing one because three years doesn’t always sound like a big difference. But at 14 and 17, it definitely is. One person might be starting high school while the other is nearly finished. The older person may have more freedom and experience, which can make it harder for the younger person to speak up or feel like they have an equal say.
 
A 14-year-old and a 17-year-old are allowed to like each other or call it dating. However, there is an important legal boundary. In Queensland, the age of consent is 16. This means a 14-year-old cannot legally agree to sexual activity with a 17-year-old. The 17-year-old should know this and must not ask for anything sexual or for private pictures.
 
The older person should also never ask the younger person to hide the relationship, keep uncomfortable secrets or prove that they are “mature enough.” Someone who cares about you will respect your boundaries and will not pressure you.
 
If you are asking about yourself or someone you know, please talk to an adult you trust. You are not in trouble, and asking questions is a really good way to keep yourself and others safe.
We know that dating and even just thinking about dating can be really overwhelming sometimes. The good news is that you don’t have to know straight away, and choosing to date someone isn’t one big decision you have to get perfectly right. You can take your time, get to know them and change your mind at any point.
 
There are lots of things that would make someone right for you. A good foundation is someone who will respect your “no,” give you space and is okay with you having other friends. You should feel able to be yourself, speak honestly and make your own choices around them. They won’t pressure you, rush you or ask you to keep uncomfortable secrets.
 
You also don’t have to notice every warning sign on your own. If someone starts making all the decisions, constantly checks where you are, follows you or keeps contacting you after you ask them to stop, tell an adult you trust.
 
You don’t need to find the perfect person. Take things slowly, notice how they treat you and remember that safe relationships should feel respectful, equal and comfortable. If something doesn’t feel right, you can step back and talk it through with someone you trust.

Because everyone deserves to feel safe, valued and treated fairly! 

It helps us build healthy friendships, solve problems, include others and get along even when we don't agree. It reminds us that other people have feelings, boundaries, choices and experiences that matter too.  It doesn't mean everyone always agrees or gets along perfectly. It just means we try to treat each other equally because that’s what we all deserve! 

Having trouble sleeping can feel really difficult, and we’re not going to tell you to “just close your eyes” or “put your phone away”… because when you’re lying there wide awake, that advice is honestly so annoying and not helpful. 

If you’re stuck awake until 2am, there’s usually a reason for it, even if it’s not obvious. A lot of young people go through a stages where their sleep changes and they might have trouble getting to sleep, especially during puberty. On top of that, your brain might be busy or overthinking – even more when you are stressed about NOT getting to sleep! 

Instead of trying to figure it out on your own, here’s some ideas to help: 

  1. Start by talking to an adult you trust. Let them know what’s been going on and how it’s affecting you. 
  1. Ask them to if this is something you could talk to a doctor about. This is exactly the kind of thing they’re there for. 
  1. Before you go, write down what’s been happening. Things like what time you’re falling asleep, how often it’s happening, and everything you’ve already tried. That way you don’t have to remember it all in the moment, and they can actually see the full picture. 

And if being awake at night is starting to mess with your mood or feel overwhelming, you don’t have to sit in it alone. Kids Helpline is there 24/7 on 1800 55 1800, even at 2am when you’re wide awake and over it.