This essay will demonstrate the research implemented on children with bilingual abilities; discussing three main issues of bilingualism: the maintenance of children's first language, the social and cognitive benefits, and also why bilingualism should be integrated into school programming/curriculum. Bilingualism can be defined as the ability to speak and/or write in two languages. In Australia, English is the main language although in 1996 statistics show that 15% (2.5 million people) of the Australian population communicates in a language other than English at home and 42% of the population is native born. overseas (Australian Bureau Statistics, 1996) . More recently there are approximately 22 million Australians who speak approximately 400 different languages ​​(Australian Bureau Statistics, 2009). These statistics highlight the fact that there is an increasing rate of people communicating in more than one language, so language is increasingly changing throughout society (Arthur, 2001). This suggests the need for support and understanding of bilingualism within children, families and communities. It is important to maintain the language spoken at home by children as it may help them learn and understand a second language. Barratt-Pugh (2000) discusses the benefits of bilingualism and its maintenance during early childhood, also mentioning family concerns about their children maintaining two languages ​​throughout school. The research in the article states that children who speak more than one language will have a higher level of understanding of the content, form and genre of literacy, as well as the differences and translation within both languages. This demonstrates a contrast of strengths and experiences with literacy (linguist...... mid-paper ......ion in Australian schools: National plan for language education in Australian schools 2005–2008 Retrieved 14, 2011, from http://www.curriculum.edu.au/verve/_resources/lingualeducation_file.pdfGarton, A. (1992). Limited.Jones Diaz, C. (2007) In L. Makin, C. Jones Diaz & L. McLachlan (eds.). Literacies in childhood: changing views, challenging practice (pp. 203-216). NSW: Elsevier.Gee, J. (1996). Literacy: Ideology in Discourses. London: Falmer.Purcell, J., Lee, M., & Biffin, J. (2006). 2050_Bilingualism.pdf