IBISWorld forecasts the population aged 14 and younger to increase by 0.6% during 2023-24, to reach 4,814,605 people. This growth is largely due to rebounding net migration, which is returning to pre-pandemic levels. Net migration was constrained over the two years through 2020-21, due to border closures, which prevented many workers and migrants, many of which have young families, from coming to Australia, causing this population group to be constrained. However, this growth rate remains below pre-pandemic levels, reflecting the residual effect of the pandemic on population patterns.