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Children and the Media:
Let's Talk
Young Media Australia Helpline
1800 700 357
Our research tells us that many parents, caregivers and professionals
in the child development and health arenas are concerned about the
effects of the media on children. This section provides research
grounded, up-to-date information about these effects. We have included,
where appropriate, strategies to counteract the potentially negative
impact of inappropriate use of the media by children.
These topics provide general information about the effects of
the media on children. You will read about the average time Australian
children spend watching TV and look at guidelines which will help
you decide how much TV is appropriate for your family. Issues
such as whether your child should watch the TV news or have a
television set in his or her bedroom are addressed.
These topics describe the short term and long term effects of
violence in the media. The way media violence impacts on your
child could depend on his or her age, gender and temperament.
The way in which these factors make a difference are discussed.
These topics describe in general the effects of advertising and
specifically the impact of advertising food, clothes and toys.
The topics include some facts and figures about the amount of
advertising shown on commercial television and the standards that
regulate the media in this area.
For some individuals, the use of the media could increase physical
problems such as back pain, poor posture and problems with vision.
Information is also included here about the risks of prolonged
exposure to the radiation emitted from computers and television
sets.
These topics discuss the impact of computers, including the use
of computer or video games. The way in which violent computer
games could impact on your child is addressed and some guidelines
given for selecting good computer games.
These topics explore children's use of the Internet, the risks
that this may entail and the strategies to minimise them. The
use and limitations of Internet filtering software is discussed.
The first topic gives general guidelines for selecting good media
for your child. Links are provided to websites in the United States
which review TV shows, movies and computer games. It is envisaged
that these topics will gradually be revised and expanded to include
Australian perspectives and to address particular issues as they
arise.
These topics give helpful tips to parents and caregivers, child
care workers and teachers. You will read about strategies to prevent
harms occurring to your child through inappropriate media use
and how to deal with the harms if they have already occurred.
Some of these topics suggest ideas for activities that can be
pursued with your child as an alternative to media use.
This links to the Codes, Classifications and Complaints section
on the Young Media Australia website. It contains everything you
will need to know about how standards are set and monitored, how
and by whom the media is regulated and who the main players are
in the media industry. If you want to complain, topics included
here will tell you what steps to take and to whom you should address
your complaint.
If you want to read more, these topics contain for each category
of information, a reading list of related reports and surveys,
articles and books. Where appropriate, there is a cross-reference
to relevant standards and regulations. Website addresses of interest
are also included.
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