Cohort profile: growing up in Australia: the longitudinal study of Australian children (LSAC)

Key Features

• The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children was allocated Australian Government funding in 2000 and data collection commenced in 2004. It was the first Australian nationwide child cohort study designed to provide insights into the contemporary family, economic, social service, and policy factors affecting children’s life-course trajectories.
• Two nationally representative cohorts were recruited in 2004: the Baby (B) cohort aged 0–1 years (N = 5107) and the Kindergarten (K) cohort aged 4–5 years (N = 4983).
• Main waves of data have been collected every 2 years, resulting in 10 main waves of data collection by 2024. Parents, teachers, and, in later waves, children/young people report on a broad range of outcomes and influences on health and development over the lifespan. The dataset is enriched through initiatives such as the linkage of administrative data, time-use diaries, and direct assessments.
• The study remains highly generative for new knowledge, particularly as data are just becoming available on outcomes salient to young adult’s health, wellbeing, and participation, such as education, employment, and family formation.