Multiple outlets report that, as Australia’s fertility rate declines, more families are having only one child, increasing the number of “only children” in the community. The articles examine whether popular stereotypes about only children are accurate, including claims that they are selfish, spoiled, or lonely. They note that many only children say they experience little or no problem with being an only child and do not identify with the negative labels. At the same time, the coverage reflects that not all only children feel the same way, with some raising concerns about social experiences or other challenges that can come with having no siblings. Across the reports, the central theme is that the growth of single-child families does not lead to a single, uniform experience for every child. Rather, perceptions and outcomes vary by individual circumstances, including family dynamics and opportunities for social interaction outside the home. The articles present stereotypes as widely discussed but not reliably predictive of how only children actually grow up.