Curtin University researchers, Renee Carey and Jonine Jancey discuss the issues in The Conversation. They say “Social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and Facebook overwhelmingly show vaping in a positive light. This messaging makes it seem that e-cigarette use is common and socially accepted. Traditional tobacco advertising has been banned in Australia for decades. However, e-cigarettes are widely promoted on social media, undoing some of the positive work of previous decades.”
Australia’s Cancer Council calls for stronger protections from junk food ads
Cancer Council research reveals the staggering $129.5M advertising spend by the sugary drink industries vastly outweighs investment in public health advertising in Australia, enticing young Australians to consume these unhealthy products. This spend is around five times the level of government investment ($26.5M) in public health campaigns promoting healthy eating, physical activity and obesity prevention combined.
Sportsbet falls foul of ad code
Mumbrella reports that online gambling service Sportsbet was found in breach of The Wagering Code by Ad Standards over a free-to-air TV ad, which was said to “imply a link between wagering and sexual success or enhanced attractiveness”. In response, Sportsbet has called for an independent review of the Community Panel’s determination but has suspended the ad’s distribution in the meantime.
APA issues guidance on teens’ use of social media
A presidential panel of the American Psychological Association has issued recommendations for the use of social media by adolescents, based on their review of the latest research. They note that while these platforms can promote healthy socialization, their use should be preceded by training in social media literacy to ensure that youth have skills that will maximize the chances for balanced, safe and meaningful experiences.
Vaping and behaviour in schools
In a major speech on 2 May, Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said vaping has become “the number one behavioural issue in high schools”. The government has proposed a suite of reforms aimed at reducing vaping. But what does the evidence show about the prevalence of vaping in schools and the kind of behavioural issues associated with it? Becky Freeman Associate Professor, School of Public Health, University of Sydney provides answers in The Conversation.
CHOICE lifts lid on tech used to track as you shop
Consumer body CHOICE has investigated the technology being used by retailers to track, profile and follow shoppers as they shop. CHOICE finds that the technology can set discriminatory prices for specific consumers, track shoppers’ movements via phones with Bluetooth beacons, scour online browsing history, and even analyse emotions through cameras embedded in electronic billboards. CHOICE urges readers to show the government overwhelming public support for stronger privacy protections while it is reviewing federal privacy laws. There’s a petition to sign.
AANA statement on proposed privacy changes
The advertising industry body says “It is no surprise that the [Australian] government is under pressure to tighten data privacy laws given the recent carnage that data breaches have caused to consumer confidence and the reputation of so many iconic Australian brands. But, sacrificing personalised advertising on the altar of privacy is not the answer”.
CMA’s response? ”Well! They would say that wouldn’t they”.
UK Children’s Commissioner reports on porn and kids
The Children’s Commissioner for England, Dame Rachel de Souza, says “This report is focused on the harms that children face from accessing violent pornography, and how that might influence their own harmful sexual behaviour. That is why regulation online is so critical to protect children and young people. I am categorically clear: no child should be able to access or watch pornography. Protecting children from seeing inappropriate material is critical, but it is just one part of the essential and urgent work of protecting children from sexual abuse." Her report can be downloaded here.
Collective Shout urges action on age verification.
Advocacy group Collective Shout says ”Despite growing awareness of and concern about harms to children from porn, there has been little meaningful action at Australian government level to stop children’s exposure to online pornography. Proof of age is needed to access other “adult” activities, but there is no proof of age requirement for our kids to access hard-core porn sites." More information here.
Kidfluencer culture harms kids
Kidfluencer culture is harming kids in several ways – and there’s no meaningful regulation of it, reports The Conversation. It says the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s latest interim report for the Digital Platforms Services Inquiry has acknowledged key issues relevant to kidfluencers, including privacy concerns and possible labour exploitation issues. Research by Catherine Jane Archer, of Edith Cowan University WA and Kate Delmo of U Technology, Sydney published recently in the M/C Journal, further highlights how the kidfluencer culture opens the door for possible child exploitation and a host of other problems.
Toys and stereotypes
This report looks at a small study which examined whether children would recommend toys to other girls or boys based on gender stereotypes, or based on what that child actually preferred.
And the research is here.
Toddlers and TV
Toddlers and the Telly: A latent profile analysis of children’s television time and content and behavioral outcomes one year later in the US by H Holmgren, L Stockdale, J Shawcroft, S Coyne and A Fraser in Journal of Children and Media 30 March 2023. Results suggested a three-profile solution of children’s television time and content, including “Low TV content,” “High child-centered content,” and “High aggressive content” profiles. The “High aggressive content” group experienced higher levels of problematic media use and aggressive behavior one year later compared to other classes.
Video: The social brain on screens
The video of this April 2023 webinar from Children and Screens (US) can be found here.
Gameshub says "These games are calming, colourful and full of positivity. They don’t take high levels of mental effort. They don’t require a huge time commitment. And as a bonus – acknowledging that finances are one of many things that could be causing overwhelm – they are all on the affordable side."
Peter Pan & Wendy(PG) is a fantasy adventure featuring a diverse cast. The film is darker than most other versions of Peter Pan and it takes an empathetic look at the reasons behind Captain Hook’s anger to paint a more in-depth and humane picture of a man who is traditionally portrayed as a monster. The main messages from this movie are that the greatest adventure in life is growing up; that mothers are irreplaceable; and that thinking happy thoughts can help you even in the darkest and most difficult of times. Not suitable for under 9s, and parental guidance to 11.
The Magician’s Elephant(PG) is a heartfelt and inspiring, animated film with an overall suitability for a child audience but with parental supervision for ages 5 to 12. The film portrays strong moral values and insightfulness, and parents will appreciate the diversity of the main cast and village people, as well as the abundance of positivity within the movie, including that, “things are only impossible until they are not”. The main messages from this movie are the importance of family devotion; to have compassion towards others, including animals; and that nothing is impossible.
Hachiko (PG) is a touching, Chinese drama that shines a light on the cultural practice of eating dogs. Viewers will fall in love with Batong, will be inspired by his steadfast devotion and humbled by his patience. The message of adopting and caring for dogs instead of eating them clearly shines through. Due to the subtitles and themes, this film is ideally suited to teen and older audiences. Viewers should be advised to bring tissues.
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