A quick guide to help us frame messages that drive positive change for children, young people and families.
This document is a strategic framing checklist designed to help professionals communicate more effectively about the wellbeing of children, young people, and families. Developed as part of the Thriving Queensland Kids Partnership’s initiative, it provides evidence-based strategies to shape public narratives, influence policy, and promote positive societal change. The checklist emphasizes starting with core values, explaining causes before effects, and using relatable metaphors like "Navigating Waters" or "Brain Architecture" to clarify complex concepts. It encourages framing issues around health, fairness, and systemic solutions, rather than individual blame or crisis language, to foster hope and collective responsibility. The tool also highlights common unhelpful mindsets such as fatalism, otherism, and individualism, offering practical tips to counteract these perspectives by broadening the lens and emphasizing community, environment, and systemic factors. Additionally, it offers tailored guidance on discussing topics like pregnancy, play, mental health, and adolescence, emphasizing the importance of context, supportive visuals, and positive messaging. Designed for communication, advocacy, and policy professionals, this checklist aims to help craft messages that drive change, shift public understanding, and create supportive conditions for children’s development now and into the future. It is a vital resource for anyone committed to fostering a more informed and compassionate dialogue around child wellbeing.
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