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Oppositional defiant disorder and bad behaviour in schools
17 July 2026

Oppositional defiant disorder and bad behaviour in schools

All In The Mind

About

Aggression, not listening, interruptions ... bad behaviour is on the rise in schools. What's causing this trend? Is it parenting styles or the pandemic?

Nurse Erin has had plenty of challenges with her son, leaving her family at the end of their tether. But one therapy just clicked.

Today, a family's story of oppositional defiant disorder and giving Parent-Child Interaction Therapy a go. Can coaching parents through one-way mirrors and ear pieces help build stronger relationships? And why is PCIT so effective for kids with ODD?

Guests:

ErinNurse and motherPCIT participant

Professor Eva KimonisClinical PsychologistDirector of the UNSW Parent-Child Research Clinic

Credits:

    Presenter/producer: Sana QadarProducer: Rose KerrSenior producer: James BullenSound engineer: Harvey O'Sullivan

More information:

Parent-Child Research Clinic at the University of New South WalesPartnering with schools to better deliver effective therapiesInvestigating Western Australian Teacher Perceptions of Young Children’s Challenging Behaviour in the Early Years (Kindergarten to Year 2): An Exploratory AnalysisLandmark report warns wellbeing of Australian children at a crossroadsSchools Plus

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To explore more great episodes from the award-winning psychology podcast All in the Mind with host Sana Qadar, download the ABC Listen app (Australia) or search 'ABC All in the Mind podcast' wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find more episodes on mental health, trauma, attachment theory, wellness hacks, and family relationships. You'll also hear interviews with experts like Esther Perel, Billy Garvey and Ethan Kross. All in the Mind is created for ABC's Radio National by specialist journalists and reporters at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.