File Photo An Australian study shows children of same-sex parents are doing as well or better than the rest of the population on a number of key health indicators. Melbourne University’s Australian Study of Child Health in Same-Sex Families has collected data on 500 children nationwide, up to the age of 17. An interim report says there is no statistical difference between children of same-sex couples and the rest of the population on indicators including self-esteem, emotional behaviour and the amount of time spent with parents. Children of same-sex couples scored higher than the national average for overall health and family cohesion. ''Because of the situation that same-sex families find themselves in, they are generally more willing to communicate and approach the issues that any child may face at school, like teasing or bullying,'' lead researcher Dr Simon Crouch says. ''This fosters openness and means children tend to be more resilient. That would be our hypothesis.''
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 6th June 2013 - 9:44am