Clare Southerton

Sex, drugs and TikTok: keeping young people safe needs a mature response, not a moral panic

19 Oct 2021

Fears that TikTok is “serving up” drug content to impressionable users have prompted calls for all drug content to be censored on the platform. But that would remove useful health advice too.

Young worried woman looking out the window

How to cope with your COVID-19 diagnosis

08 Oct 2021

COVID-19 is a global pandemic. So why do we still feel ashamed by catching the virus?

Female protestor writing 'I cant breathe' on fellow protestor's face mask

Put your values where your mouth is: the changing power of the face mask during COVID-19

13 May 2021

Sometimes the simplest objects can tell the most powerful stories.

From scary pumpkins to bridal bling, how masks are becoming a normal part of our lives in Australia

30 Oct 2020

A year ago, face masks were a rarity in Australia. But social researchers say there is evidence of a growing acceptance of this simple object.

Queensland's coronavirus controversy: past pandemics show us public shaming could harm public health

03 Aug 2020

Three young women attracted backlash after failing to quarantine and bringing COVID-19 into Queensland. But public shaming could discourage people from following public health advice.