small screen News Digest of Australian Council on Children and the Media (incorporating Young Media ) ISSN: 0817-8224 No. 323 September 2015 Holiday films Todd goes on to suggest that the val- School holidays are here again and many Why do we sell violence to ues that are being marketed to children families are looking for cinema entertainment our children? through both programming and advertis- for the whole family. Looking at what is on ing are very different from the values that offer indicates that this isn’t an easy task. In an interesting article on the Huffington most families are trying to instil in their Post Blog, Aaron Todd discusses the prob- children. Anyone with a child under 6 is faced with lems of dealing with his three-year-old the problem that even those films rated G son’s infatuation with the Teenage Mutant He asks the important question, “why are may not really be suitable. For under 4s, the Ninja Turtles and the resulting changes to we, as parents, buying what is being sold to cinema experience in itself may be quite over- the child’s behaviour. our children?” whelming with the large screen, loud sounds, darkness and the length of sitting time. In I have never been a huge believer in the http://www.huffingtonpost.com/aar- addition, even films rated G such as Oddball, notion that violent movies, video games, on-todd/on-remakes-violence-and-o_ Two by Two and were found by etc. are directly linked to violent behav- b_8183130.html?ir=Australia ACCM’s reviewers to have scenes which ior in children and adults. This of course could scare younger children, although Odd- stems from that antiquated justification “Classification” moves to ball is probably the most family friendly film that goes, “I watched and played that stuff “Communications” showing. (See the editorial on P2 for a further and I turned out fine,” but now I have a discussion on the G classification) three year old boy who since his new found As part of the Turnbull Government infatuation with the Turtles wants to fight ministerial shuffle which took place on Primary school children are likely to be at- me all night so I’m not so sure. Monday September 21, the responsibil- tracted to the PG rated movies on offer, -in ity for classification was moved from the cluding Pan and Pixels, but the Classification federal Attorney General to the incoming Board rating indicates that these contain Minister for communications, Senator content that may upset or confuse children. Mitch Fifield. Our reviewers say “not recommended for under 7s” in the case of Pan and under 12s It is expected that the Classification Branch for Pixels, and parental guidance is strongly will be moved soon to the Department of recommended by ACCM reviewers for older Communications and the Arts. children, which means that children should have an adult with them if they go to see Strict ad policy for Canberra buses these films. Under new ACT Government rules, Both tweens and teens are likely to be inter- junk food, alcohol and gambling adver- ested in two M rated movies showing, Maze tisements are among those banned on Runner: The Scorch Trials and Me and Earl ACTION buses. and the Dying Girl. These are both based on young adult fiction, which is often popular According to the ABC, Minister for Terri- with younger readers, but the M rating given tory and Municipal Services Shane Ratten- by the Classification Board should be a warn- bury said that buses were a government ing to parents that although children under provided service and it was important 15 can legally see these films, the content is that the products and messages promoted not recommended for this age group. ACCM were appropriate, particularly in view of reviewers found that the second Maze Run- the fact that a significant number of AC- ner film is more violent and disturbing than TION passengers were school children. the first which was showing at this time last He said that leaving junk food advertis- year, while Me and Earl and the Dying Girl had Friday November 20 2015, ing off the buses helps contribute to that potentially disturbing themes relating to 9am-4.30 pm overall objective of delivering a healthier death of a teenager from cancer. message to children. Telstra Customer Insight Centre, Parents are the best judges of what is suitable Level 2, 400 George St, for their child, but they need information in Mr Rattenbury said that advertising on order to make decisions. To read ACCM’s de- government assets needed to be in line More information, registration and tailed reviews of the films currently showing, with community expectations. conference updates: go to the Know Before You Go section of the http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09- ACCM website childrenandmedia.org.au/events/ 28/junk-food-advertising-ban-for-act- childrenandmedia.org.au/movie-reviews/ accm-conference buses/6808740

HOLIDAY FILMS WHY DO WE SELL VIOLENCE EDITORIAL: TO OUR CHILDREN? CLASSIFICATION MOVES TO WHEN IS A G NOT A G? COMMUNICATIONS STRICT AD POLICY FOR BUSES small screen September 2015 p2 EDITORIAL

When is a G not a G? very young children, who having Is the G classification for films losing its been exposed to frightening images, meaning? may not be calmed by positive no. 323 September 2015 resolution of the plot, and so we It might seem so, given some of the decisions disagree with the CRB’s decision. small screen made recently by the Classification Board and the Classification Review Board. The Classification Board’s use of Barbara Biggins Editor: Barbara Biggins OAM OAM advice lines with the G rating in Hon CEO Compiler: Caroline Donald The meaning of the G classification is “General” , recent movies is also disappointing. Editorial Board: Barbara and G films should be suitable for those under 15 This is seen in the movies Cinderella Biggins, Jane Roberts, Judy years to watch to without parental supervision. (G, very mild themes”); Tinkerbell and the Legend Bundy, Elizabeth Handsley. Traditionally, films classified G, have not carried of the NeverBeast (G, some scary scenes), Shaun the consumer advice. Higher classified films are small screen is published Sheep (G, some scary scenes ) and Two by two ( G, required to carry consumer advice, which usually at the beginning of each Very mild themes and animated violence). reflects the main reasons why the film got that month and reports on the classification. All of these films had elements that, in the view events of the previous of ACCM’s Know Before You Go reviewers, made month 11 issues per year However, if a G film carries consumer advice them problematic for under 6 or 8s. So why not (Dec/Jan double issue) lines, the situation is different. It is signalling make them PG. ? that it’s not quite a G: that there are aspects of Published by the film that are not suitable for everyone. The These issues are relevant to ACCM’s long Australian Council on most common advice line here is “some scenes standing belief that the present classification Children and the Media may scare young children”. system does not provide adequate advice to (ACCM) parents of young children under the age of 15 PO Box 447 In ACCM’s view, this is not the way to go. Surely years. G and PG do not offer useful information Glenelg 5045 if a film is not quite a G, then PG is the logical about what’s age-appropriate for, say, a 5 yr old South Australia classification. That classification in itself isa or a 9 yr old. [email protected] warning to parents to be cautious. When a film www.childrenandmedia.org.au is classified G, but has cautionary advice lines ACCM has argued strongly that: Tel: +61 8 8376 2111 attached, these lines may be lost in small ads and Fax: +61 8 8376 2122 listings, and parents lose the warning. • the present categories should be replaced with Helpline: 1800 700 357 G (all), 5+, 9+, 12+, 16+, 18+ , where, for example, Given this, it’s worrying to see a 3 member 5+ means suitable for those 5 and up. ACCM is a national, panel of the Classification Review Board recently non-profit community overturn the decision of the Classification Board • the categories from 12+ upwards should have organisation. Its mission is to assign a PG classification to the new Australian legal force to promote a quality media version of Blinky Bill , and make it G with the The reasons are that these ages represent, environment for Australian consumer advice lines “Some scenes may scare on average, significant changes in children’s children. very young children”. development.

No part of this publication In the view of the Review Board, “ The overall ACCM’s campaign for age-based classifications may be reproduced without impact of the classifiable elements in the film can be found at permission of the Editor. was no higher than very mild ….. warrants a G classification because the http://childrenandmedia.org.au/taking- treatment of the theme of a son searching for his action/current-campaigns/classification Contributions are welcome. lost father, and threatening behaviour by some animal characters is very mild, and these scenes In the meantime parents can find help at Know are always resolved positively.” before you go (supported by the SA AG). ACCM’s movie and app http://childrenandmedia.org.au/movie-reviews/ review services are ACCM ‘s research-based view is that the positive supported by grants resolution of scary scenes is not of much use to from the South Australian Vale Government Australian film and TV animation . This film introduced pioneer Yoram Gross has died at the popular Australian koala to the ACCM’s Website the age of 88. rest of the world. is designed and He was the co-founder of Yoram In 1995 Yoram was awarded the supported by Gross Film Studios with his wife Order of Australia for his outstanding Sandra and his legacy lives on achievements and for his contribution in , the to the Australian film industry. company formerly known as Yoram It seems timely that a new cinema Gross-EM.TV Pty Ltd. www.gocreate.com.au version of Blinky Bill, Flying Bark’s Blinky Bill: The Movie, opened in From 1977 Gross devoted his Australian cinemas last week. ACCM acknowledges career to making feature-length animated films and series, starting with Dot and support from the http://if.com.au/2015/09/22/article/Vale-Yoram- the Kangaroo. 1992 saw the release of Blinky Bill, Gross/VKAJITIWQV Romeo Family based on the Australian children’s classic by Clips ‘n’ Cuts small screen no. 323 September 2015

The Australian 3/9/15

The Australian 16/9/15

The Age 3/9/15 small screen September 2015 p4

The Australian 14/9/15

The Advertiser 19/9/15

The Advertiser 5/9/15 small screen September 2015 p5

The Advertiser 19/9/15

The Age17/9/15 small screen September 2015 p6

The Australian14/9/15

The Australian15/9/15

The Age17/9/15 small screen September 2015 p7 NEW PUBLICATIONS

ADVERTISING Omar, S.Z., et al 2014. McMillan, R., et al 2015. Dunlop, S., et al 2014. Children internet usage: opportunities Family structure as a predictor of screen Out of sight and out of mind? for self development. time among youth. Evaluating the impact of point-of-sale Communication, Empowerment and PeerJ 3, e1048. https://dx.doi.org/10.7717/ tobacco display bans on smoking- Governance: The 21st Century Enigma 155, peerj.1048 related beliefs and behaviors in a 75–80. sample of Australian adolescents and Padilla-Walker, L.M., et al 2015. Longitudinal relations between young adults. MEDIA EFFECTS - HEALTH prosocial television content and Nicotine & Tobacco Research Ciccarelli, M., et al 2015. adolescents’ prosocial and aggressive Volume 17, Issue 7, Pp. 761-768 Managing children’s postural risk behavior: The mediating role of when using mobile technology at home: empathic concern and self-regulation. Lull, R.B., Bushman, B.J., 2015. Challenges and strategies. Developmental Psychology 51, 1317–1328. Do sex and violence sell? A meta- Applied Ergonomics 51, 189–198. analytic review of the effects of sexual Slater, A., Tiggemann, M., 2015. and violent media and ad content Dutra, G.F., et al 2015. Media exposure, extracurricular on memory, attitudes, and buying Television viewing habits and their activities, and appearance-related intentions. influence on physical activity and comments as predictors of female Psychological Bulletin 141, 1022–1048 childhood overweight. adolescents’ self-objectification. Jornal de Pediatria 91, 346–351. O’Brien, K.S., et al 2015. Psychology of Women Quarterly 39, 375–389 Alcohol advertising in sport and non- sport TV in Australia, during children’s MEDIA EFFECTS - SOCIAL van Oosten, J., et al 2015. viewing times. Allen, M.S., Vella, S.A., Laborde, S., 2015. The influence of sexual music videos PLoS ONE 10, e0134889 Sport participation, screen time, and on adolescents’ misogynistic beliefs personality trait development during the role of video content, gender, and Turner, L., et al 2015 childhood. affective engagement. Measuring food brand awareness in Br J Dev Psychol 33, 375–390 Communication Research 42, 986–1008. Australian children: development and validation of a new instrument. Cristia, A; Seidl, A 2015 Willett, R., 2015. PLoS ONE 10, e0133972. doi:10.1371/ Parental reports on touch screen use in Children’s media-referenced games: journal.pone.0133972 early childhood the lived culture of consumer texts on a PLOS ONE Volume: 10 Issue: 6 school playground. Article Number: e0128338 COMPUTERS & INTERNET Child Soc 29, 410–420 Grimes, S.M., Fields, D.A., 2015. Downing, K.; et al (2015) Children’s media making, but not Associations of parental rules and VIDEO GAMES sharing: The potential and limitations socioeconomic position with preschool Shams, T.A., et al 2015. of child-specific diy media websites. children’s sedentary behaviour and The effects of video games on Media International Australia, Incorporating screen time . cognition and brain structure: potential Culture & Policy 112. Journal of Physical Activity & Health implications for neuropsychiatric Volume: 12 Issue: 4 Pages: 515-521 disorders. Hamm MP, et al, 2015 Curr Psychiatry Rep 17, 1–15 Prevalence and effect of cyberbullying Goh, W., Bay, S., Chen, V., 2015. on children and young people: A Young school children’s use of digital VIOLENCE scoping review of social media studies. devices and parental rules. Braendle, G. et al (2015) JAMA Pediatrics 169, 770–777 Telematics and Informatics 32, 787–795. Violent audiovisual content and social consequences: The moderating Hou, W., et al 2015 Hinkley, T., et al 2015. role of aggression in adolescents. Supporting children’s online identity in Reducing electronic media use in Communications-European Journal of international communities. 2–3 year-old children: Feasibility Communication Research Volume: 40 Behaviour & Information Technology 34, and efficacy of the Family@play pilot Issue: 2 Pages: 199-218 375–391 randomised controlled trial. BMC Public Health 15, 779. Livingstone, S., et al 2015. EU Kids Online II Dataset: A cross- Kampf, Z., Hamo, M., 2015. CONFERENCES national study of children’s use of the Children talking television: The Internet and its associated opportunities salience and functions of media content and risks. in child peer interactions. Br J Educ Technol 46, 988–992. Discourse & Communication 9, 465–485. 22nd World Meeting of the International Society for Meter, D.J., Bauman, S., 2015. Li, H., Boguszewski, K., Lillard, A. 2015. Research on Aggression (ISRA) When sharing is a bad idea: the effects Can that really happen? Children’s of online social network engagement knowledge about the reality status of and sharing passwords with friends 19-23 July 2016 fantastical events in television. University of NSW, Sydney on cyberbullying involvement. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social 139, 99–114. Networking 18, 437–442 http://www.iec.mq.edu.au/research/ cfrc/isra_2016/ Membership rates(renewable on July 1st each year) $Aus (inc GST) AUSTRALIAN COUNCIL ON CHILDREN AND THE MEDIA Organisational Membership/Subscription Application National $210.00 Tax Invoice State $75.00 Individual $55.00 small screen subscription (for non-members) Name: ______In Australia $66.00 Organisation: ______Outside Australia $66.00 Address: ______New membership Renewal ______small screen subscription ______Donation (tax deductible $2 & over) ______Postcode:______Total

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WORLD NEWS

Trial of technology enabled toys in such as climbing, jumping, rough play and programming will be taught from Year 7. Singapore preschools exploring displayed greater physical and This is part of the national curriculum that Channel NewsAsia reports that in social health. The study also found that play was approved by Christopher Pyne in one 2016 a one-year pilot will involve 160 environments that offer natural elements of his last acts as Minister for Education. Singaporean preschools being equipped such as trees and plants, changes in height, with technology-enabled toys, as well as and freedom for children to engage in There has been a push for a greater focus receiving ongoing support and workshops activities of their own choosing and take on coding and STEM (science, technology, for educators on how to integrate the risks promoted increased play time, social engineering and maths) subjects in schools toys into the existing curriculum. The interactions, creativity and resilience. The from a primary level. The government will PlayMaker program is being launched by authors suggest that these positive results be spending $12 million on four STEM the Infocomm Development Authority of reflect the importance of supporting initiatives: the development of innovative Singapore (IDA). children’s risky outdoor play opportunities maths curriculum, the introduction of as a means of promoting children’s health computer coding, a P-TECH-style school A review will be conducted at the end of the and active lifestyles at a time when such pilot site and the funding of summer schools trial, with the aim of offering PlayMaker to opportunities are decreasing. for STEM students from underrepresented all preschools. groups. www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/12/6/6423 mashable.com/2015/09/21/coding- Mr Steve Leonard, executive deputy schools-australia/#1GpdrbbouGqE chairman at IDA said that “As Singapore SPA Awards finalists announced becomes a Smart Nation, our children The finalists in the 15th Screen Producers will need to be comfortable creating Australia Awards have been announced. Prix Jeunesse International with technology. We are very excited This bi-annual festival is the main activity that our PlayMaker programme gives In the children’s TV category the finalists of the Prix Jeunesse Foundation which children the tools not only to have fun, are Bushwhacked! season 3, the second was established in 1964 with the aim of but also to experiment and problem-solve series of Mako Island of Secrets , Nowhere promoting quality in children’s television together, building up their confidence and Boys, Pirate Express and Tashi. worldwide. It aims to encourage the creativity.” production of television that enables Children’s film, Maya The Bee Movie is a children to see, hear and express themselves www.channelnewsasia.com/news/ finalist for the best feature film award. and their culture, and that enhances an singapore/new-tech-enabled-toys- awareness and appreciation of other for/2145502.html The awards, which will be announced on cultures. The 2016 Festival will be held in November 19, recognise excellence in 11 Munich, Germany with the theme What it Relationship between risky outdoor film, television and interactive categories. means to be me: Identity and Children’s TV. play and health in children if.com.au/2015/09/23/article/SPA- A systematic review conducted by Production companies and TV Channels Awards-finalists-announced/ are invited to submit top-quality television University of British Columbia scientists GSPVAPKMYO has shown that risky outdoor play aimed at 2 – 15 year olds. Entries should strengthens children’s physical health and be should be ‘the best of the best of the encourages creativity, social skills and Coding to be taught in schools from last two years’ and should also be ‘shows resilience. The researchers compiled data primary age for children and young people, not about from 18 studies conducted with more than Australia’s new digital technologies them’. The deadline for entries is 11 50,000 children aged 3 to 13. curriculum which was recently endorsed December 2015. by state education ministers ensures that www.prixjeunesse.de The children who participated activities 21st century computer coding will be taught in primary schools from Year 5, and