On right now is Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio. CMA says it’s “a stop-motion animated, musical fantasy that is amazing to see. It is beautifully crafted and visually stunning. The film focuses on many philosophical subjects, including father-son relationships; life, death and immortality; and war and its consequences, and as such is too intense for younger viewers.” It is also quite scary and violent in places and is more suitable for older children.
Coming on 25 December isRoald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical. CMA says it’s “a cinematic version of the recent musical stage play… The cast of actors is wonderful… the core of the story is a dark tale of child abuse, neglect and cruelty. However, the triumph of the human spirit comes through Matilda... The movie is best suited for older children.
CMA’s Christmas viewing guide can also help you find films for holiday viewing, that suit your family.
The ABC has announced its line up for 2023 . A green focus is on offer in WildBear Entertainment’s Wildlifers! and Gardening Australia Junior, a spin-off of the long running Gardening Australia, and hosted by The Buds. Younger viewers will see favourites like Bluey, Kangaroo Beach, Beep and Mort, Ginger and the Vegesaurs. Teens will be offered Photoplay,The Disposables,The Spooky Files, Turn Up The Volume, and the second season of Fremantle Australia’s The PM’s Daughter. See the list and the video montage here.
Australia: Senate inquiry into Influence of international digital platforms
The Senate Standing Committees on Economics has set up its Terms of Reference and is taking submissions on its issues paper until Tuesday 28 February 2023. Of particular interest to our readers will be item d) of the ToR, “the collection and processing of children’s data, particularly for the purposes of profiling, behavioural advertising, or other uses”.
The Netherlands: Cabinet to stop junk food ads
The manufacturers and distributors of unhealthy food and drinks will soon be forbidden from targeting children in their marketing campaigns. Dutch Cabinet is working on new rules that will restrict advertising and packaging aimed at children.
UK: Government delays junk food ads ban
Health experts have strongly criticised Rishi Sunak after his government yet again delayed plans for a ban on pre-watershed TV advertising for junk food. The ban on adverts for foods high in fat, salt and sugar before 9pm was due to come into force from January 2023, but has now been delayed until 2025.
Canada: Lawsuit against makers of Fortnite
A Canadian judge has approved a class-action lawsuit brought by three parents who say their children became addicted to the video game Fortnite. The plaintiffs say their children would forgo sleeping, eating and showering because they were hooked on the game.
US: claims that Kids Online Safety Act will infringe rights of adults
A proposed US federal law that would require web companies to act in the ‘best interests’ of users under 17 is drawing opposition from free speech advocates, law professors and dozens of civil rights groups. Critics argue that the proposed law's broad mandate to act in users' best interests -- including by curbing content protected by free speech principles, such as material associated with eating disorders -- is both unworkable and unconstitutional. They say here is no way to accurately identify what content might exacerbate self-harm, suicide, eating disorders, or substance use disorders. Proponents, including advocacy organizations Fairplay, Center for Digital Democracy and Public Citizen, say the measure would benefit young web users.
Australia: audit of compliance with alcohol ad rules
ABAC undertook an independent audit of its signatory Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter brand assets to evaluate whether available age restriction controls had been activated for those assets. In response to the findings ABAC has taken action such as providing compliance checklists and developing education initiatives.
Australia: Disney+ raises price of subscriptions
The cost of subscribing to Disney+ has risen by $2 to $13.99 per month; and it has launched its ad-supported tier, Disney+ Basic in the US – no doubt that will arrive on our shores in due course.
Australia : new chair for Australian Children's Television Foundation
Helen Silver has been elected the new Chair of the ACTF Board, succeeding Janet Holmes à Court. Helen is an experienced executive who has worked at the highest levels of the public and private sectors. As the chair of the ACTF Board, Helen says one of her key priorities is to ensure Australian preschool and school children have greater access to ACTF supported shows.
Australia: ACMA reports that SVOD companies spend big on Oz content
Subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) providers including Amazon Prime Video, Disney, Netflix, Paramount+ and Stan have spent $335.1 million on Australian programs in the 2021-22 financial year, Australian Communications and Media Authority has revealed. Commissioned and co-commissioned programs/titles made up about 76% of the total expenditure on Australian programs by all SVOD providers.
How we use the internet
ACMA’s How we use the internetinteractive reportshows the ways we go online in 2022, and over the past 6 years. It focuses on how we use devices to go online, how often, what we do and what services we use.
New developments in gambling marketing: the rise of social media ads and its effect on youth by R. Rossi and A. Nairn in Current addiction reports November 2022 finds that exposure to social media gambling advertising is high in volume and reach; gambling ads are more appealing to young people than to adults; and that advertising portrays gambling as a harmless and fun activity with few warnings of potential health dangers. Most gambling brands’ followers on social media are under 25 years old and current regulations are not entirely fit for purpose.
From the Australian Children's Television Foundation
A list of ACTF-supported titles which will help students learn about the new environments, relationships, routines and expectations of their next step in schooling.
Behavioral interventions to help reduce children's screen time
In this Q and A, Prof Tom Robinson of Stanford Medicine discusses the controversies over screen time and usage, how screens affect health, and his approach to studying such a complicated topic.
US: Children and Screens Congress 2023
From 20-23 September, researchers, clinicians, educators, government and more, will come together in Washington at the 2023 Digital Media and Developing MindsInternational Scientific Congress to explore how digital media use impacts the social, psychological, cognitive, behavioral, and physical development of children.
I Heard the Bells (PG) shows the despair of loss of life but also the hope that people live on through their work and deeds. It is a very emotional and intense film, best suited for families with older children.
Tad the Explorer: the Mummy Adventure (PG) is an animated, comedy adventure suitable for older, primary school children and likely to also appeal to younger teens, but unlikely to have much appeal for older viewers. Scary scenes and themes, and violence make it unsuitable for under 8s.
My Father’s Dragon(PG) is unsuitable for very young children, the film will be best enjoyed by slightly older kids or fans of the picture book by Ruth Stiles Gannett. The main messages from this movie are to believe in yourself, even when no one else does; and to remember that being a good friend is far more important than being right.
We extend our best wishes to you and your families for the festive season and thank you for your support of CMA throughout 2022
And why not give CMA a present this Christmas and buy a ticket (or more) in the 2022 People’s Choice Lottery. CMA receives 100% of what you spend. Here’s where to buy tickets.
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