Australian privacy law: is it protecting our children online? ACCM's new research says no.

Resources for parents, supported by the Law Foundation of SA, and more information here.

The ACCC's second Digital Platforms Services Inquiry interim report 

The ACCC says "apps and features within the apps, which are designed to benefit the developer or a third party to the detriment of consumers who have installed the app, have the potential to result in a range of consumer harms".

The report finds Australian consumers are concerned about the safety of children, fraud and scams, and data breaches and hacks, among other online safety issues. Chapters 5 and 6 are most relevant to children.

Reset Australia puts the case: profiling for commercial advertising purposes should be curbed by stronger data protection regulations for under 18-year-olds. Reset Australia is calling for the introduction of a data code for children and young people under 18-years-old, so that their data is only captured and processed in ways that are in their best interests.

STOP PRESS: A flaw in Google's implementation of the exposure notification framework for Android smartphones could put users' privacy at risk, with no fix in sight, researchers have found.

Google misled consumers about the collection and use of location data:

The Federal Court has found that Google LLC and Google Australia Pty Ltd (together, Google) misled consumers about personal location data collected through Android mobile devices between January 2017 and December 2018, in a world-first enforcement action brought by the ACCC.

Electronic Arts is denying that its FIFA game is steering players into lootboxes:

A gaming insider says an internal company document proves video game giant Electronic Arts is trying to drive players into a type of game play that encourages them to spend more money and which has come under fire for possible links to gambling.

New influencer marketing guidelines in the spotlight:

An Instagram post by Anna Heinrich has recently been found to breach the advertising transparency rule in the Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) Code of Ethics, being the first case to breach this rule following a revamp and tightening up of the Code’s guidelines in February 2021

This decision highlights the stricter guidelines that are now in place for influencer marketing around the disclosure of sponsored posts. A law company advises influencers to beware.

TikTok sued over use of minors' data:

Video-sharing social networking service TikTok is being sued for billions of dollars over its alleged mishandling of children's data. 

Spirited Away turns 20:

As Hayat Miyazaki's Oscar-winning anime turns 20, Arwa Haider asks why the film's powerful magic still captivates today.

Three Australian children's TV series nominated for BANFF Rockie Awards:

First Day, Bluey and 100% Wolf were nominated across three prize divisions for this year's prestigious BANFF World Media Festival Rockie Awards.

ACCM's top pick on its streaming movies page during April has been Oscar-winning documentary My Octopus Teacher.

Computer screen time is damaging eyes - especially for children:

A survey by Ipsos and the Global Myopia Awareness Coalition found 44 per cent of US children are using electronic devices for more than four hours a day, more than double the rate before the pandemic.

Parents sought for Deakin University research survey:

Deakin University is looking for parents to take part in a survey about understanding problematic mobile touch-screen device use in early childhood.

Communication and Media in Australia: Supply and use of services 2019-20

This ACMA report provides information on the delivery of telecommunication, broadcasting and digital platform services in Australia from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020. The report highlights the ever-increasing use of products and services delivered by the communications and media sectors in Australia.

Unpacking misleading advertising claims in the children's space: BBB National Programs (US)

Advertisements may seem simple on the surface, but the role of monitoring ads targeting children is especially complex.

Does your preschooler watch videos online?

The second part in the Campaign for a Commercial-free Childhood's Safe, Secure and Smart Guide to Choosing Tech for your Preschooler.

Teaching young people about porn is too important to get wrong: 

Here is a New Zealand video that hits the mark.

When you wonder, you're learning: Mister Rogers' Enduring Lessons For Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids  

Playful and practical, When You Wonder, You're Learning introduces a new generation of families to the lessons of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.

SBS's interactive documentary Are You Addicted to Technology? from stream April 21  

The world-first interactive documentary Are You Addicted to Technology? invites audiences to go on a journey of enlightenment to discover how concerned we should be about our relationship with technology by offering a personalised investigation into the users' own tech dependency through an interactive questionnaire built into the documentary. The documentary is hosted by Dr Kim Le.

Developing the next National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children  

The Federal Government is developing a new National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children (the National Plan). You can have your say here.

The Sector: June 2 and June 9. Playing with Technology - two-part webinar series   

Gunda  (in cinemas): a charming wordless documentary that invites audiences to establish a connection with the livestock featured in the film and to perhaps begin to see them, and all animals for that matter, as something more sacred and more valuable than just meat.Best suited to children 9 and up. Younger viewers will enjoy but may need some guidance.


Yes Day (on Netflix): Yes Day is a family film based on the book by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, where (with a few ground rules) the parents have to say yes to everything their children request, for a whole day. Best enjoyed by older children and parents.
 

Chibi Doll: Chibi Doll – Avatar Creator is a sandbox game where the user creates unique avatars. OK 13+, PG 8-12, not suitable under eight (in-app purchasing frequent advertising).

Baby Panda World: Baby Panda World is a collection of early childhood educational activities with various areas to explore, roles to play and adventures. Basic fine motor skills required. OK 9+, PG 4-8, not suitable under four (initial assistance needed, advertising, in-app subscription).