small screen News Digest of Australian Council on Children and the Media (incorporating Young Media Australia) ISSN: 0817-8224 No. 287 June 2012 Community child health expert Is too much violence finally speaks out ACCM President Prof Elizabeth Handsley enough for gamers? has welcomed Prof Vimpani’s comments In the wake of the passage of the Federal and said “ACCM has long considered chil- According to the kotaku website, even Government Bill to allow an R18+ classifi- dren’s exposure to violent and sexualised the video games experts may have had cation for computer games, and the June media to be a significant public health enough. launch of the “Growing up fast and furious” issue, and one that deserves far greater studies (edited by Dr Wayne Warburton examination and action from the federal After looking at what was on offer at the and Danya Braunstein), ACCM asked Government than is apparent at present”. recent E3 expo, the world’s premier trade community child health expert Professor “ACCM is calling for more parent- friendly show for computer and video games Graham Vimpani* about his views on the media regulation and evidence- based clas- and related products, game designer impact of violent and sexualised media on sification systems. Warren Spector is reported to have said, children.

*Professor Graham Vimpani is Professor “The ultraviolence has to stop. We Professor Vimpani spoke out strong- of Community Child and Family Health have to stop loving it. I just don’t ly about the influence on children of at the University of Newcastle; Clini- believe in the effects argument at exposure to such media content. cal Chair of Kaleidoscope: Hunter Chil- all, but I do believe that we are He said “The negative impact of a diet rich dren’s Health Network within the Hunter fetishizing violence, and now in some in violence is a very important issue on New England Local Health District and cases actually combining it with an which the jury is no longer out. The ques- Senior Paediatrician in the Child Protection adolescent approach to sexuality. I tion is not whether children need to be pro- Team at the John Hunter Children’s Hos- just think it’s in bad taste. Ultimately tected from such material, but rather how pital in Newcastle. He is also a part-time I think it will cause us trouble...... that is best achieved.” Senior Clinical Advisor in Child Protection I think we’re just appealing to an for the NSW Ministry of Health. He was adolescent mindset and calling it He continued, “I think it is very difficult to appointed a Member of the Order of Aus- mature. It’s time to stop.” quarantine adult only material (R18+) and tralia in 2007. prevent children from accessing it - given http://www.kotaku.com.au/2012/06/all- parental work patterns, and that adoles- http://www.racpcongress2012.com.au/ that-ultraviolence-bothers-the-people- cents are likely to be home alone more than speaker/professor-graham-vimpani/ who-make-video-games-too/ occasionally. Putting the sole responsibili- ty on parents to ensure their children don’t access R-rated material in games, in DVDs, or on the internet ignores the chaotic life- styles that many of the most vulnerable ACCM, in partnership with Concordia College, presents: children are exposed to and the fact that many kids have access to this hard- ware in their own bedrooms. It is simply Facing up to Facebook unrealistic to expect parents to be satisfac- What kids are doing online and how to keep them safe tory gatekeepers.” With well-known psychologist and author

Prof Vimpani said, “It is likely that there is differential susceptibility such that the Dr Michael Carr-Gregg most vulnerable are most at risk from a toxic media diet.” He continued “An in- Hear what the latest research says children are doing online crease in the prevalence of disruptive be- and how to keep them safe. haviour disorders over the last quarter cen- Thursday 23 August 2012 at 7.30pm tury has been well documented in the UK, with double the rate of conduct disorder, a Concordia College Chapel, cnr Balmoral & Cheltenham Streets, Highgate. 50% increase in hyperactivity and a near- MC: Sonya Feldhoff, presenter of Afternoons 891 ABC Adelaide doubling of the rate of emotional prob- lems. Anecdotal evidence suggests similar Tickets are $27.50 with bookings online at developments have been taking place in http://www.trybooking.com/27195 Australia. It would be naïve to conclude that access to violent and sexualised media For further information: makes no contribution to this. How much, [email protected] rather than whether it contributes, is the Phone 08 8376 2111 question.” http://www.childrenandmedia.org.au/

CHILD HEALTH EXPERT SPEAKS IS TOO MUCH VIOLENCE IN GUEST EDITORIAL: HOW GAMES FINALLY ENOUGH? MICHAEL CARR-GREGG LONG CAN THE AFGC SEMINAR PEDDLE JUNK CLAIMS? FACEBOOK FOR UNDER 13s? small screen June 2012 p2

GUEST EDITORIAL S

How long can the Australian Food and last month that the Obesity Policy Coalition’s Grocery Council peddle junk claims? proposal for restrictions on junk food advertising no. 287 June 2012 to children “isn’t backed by solid research or As our editorial this week we are reprinting part of an science in the world”. . small screen article by Jane Martin, Senior Policy Adviser, Obesity Editor: Barbara Biggins OAM Policy Coalition. For details of where to find the full In fact, these claims are contrary to the Compiler: Caroline Donald article see below*. Editorial Board: Barbara Biggins, assessments of the evidence by peak international Jane Roberts, Judy Bundy, health agencies, including the World Health Kate Carnell’s claim that self-regulation of junk Elizabeth Handsley. Organization and the US Institute of Medicine, food advertising to children is “working” sounds and the consensus of Australian public health small screen is published at the rather flimsy in light of new research published in experts. beginning of each month and the Medical Journal of Australia over the weekend reports on the events of the that shows that self-regulation has had no impact previous month 11 issues per These reviews have all concluded that the year (Dec/Jan double issue) on children’s exposure to fast food advertising. evidence shows that food advertising influences Published by children’s food requests, preferences and Australian Council on It’s no surprise that Ms Carnell, CEO of the consumption patterns. Children and the Media Australian Food and Grocery Council and chief (ACCM) lobbyist for the processed food industry, would On the basis of the evidence, the World Health PO Box 447 be opposed to effective regulation of junk food Organization has classified heavy marketing Glenelg 5045 advertising. After all, her job is to protect the of energy-dense foods as a ‘probable’ factor South Australia commercial interests of the processed food promoting obesity. To put this in context, [email protected] industry, and reducing children’s exposure to ‘probable’ is the WHO’s second highest level of www.youngmedia.org.au junk food advertising would be contrary to those evidence classification after ‘convincing’, and is Tel: +61 8 8376 2111 interests. Fax: +61 8 8376 2122 used to denote that a relationship is probably Helpline: 1800 700 357 causal in nature. Nor is it surprising that Ms Carnell would ACCM is a national, non-profit consider self-regulation to be working: her main And as a result of this classification, the WHO community organisation. interest is in the effectiveness of self-regulation has made a series of recommendations for all Its mission is to promote a for keeping meaningful government regulation quality media environment for countries to take steps to reduce children’s Australian children. at bay – and on this measure, it is fair to say that, exposure to unhealthy food advertising as a so far, self-regulation is working. strategy for preventing overweight and obesity. No part of this publication These recommendations were recently endorsed may be reproduced without So, perhaps it should also come as no surprise permission of the Editor. by the World Health Assembly...... that a number of Ms Carnell’s claims about junk Contributions are welcome. food advertising are somewhat fishy. *To read the full article with links to original sources go to the Croakey website at: Ms Carnell’s claim that there is no evidence http://blogs.crikey.com.au/croakey/2011/06/28/ linking food advertising with childhood obesity junk-food-advertising-to-kids-its-time-to-call-it-a- ACCM’s services are were repeated on Lateline last week. day/ supported by a grant “There is no evidence at all to link food advertising or the Obesity Policy Coalition website at: from the South Australian to obesity. Zero. Nowhere in the world.” http://www.opc.org.au/latestnews/opinion/pages/ Government And Ms Carnell’s claim in The Australian op20110629.aspx

Should I buy my child a mobile phone? .....and what about video games? ACCM’s Web Page and The US based Common Sense Media website has Common Sense Media also has tips to help parents Broadband access some useful information and tips for parents in choosing video games for children and helping are supported by its who are thinking of buying their child a mobile children to get the most out of them. In an article Internet Service Provider phone. entitled “10 surprising ways to spot a great video game”they give parents suggestions for what As they point out, “most phones -- even basic to look out for and suggest suitable games for a Internode models -- are tiny handheld computers, with variety of age groups. features that put a lot of power in little hands...... Cell phones give kids access to the world in ways They point out that while children may be that you can’t predict”. attracted to flashy and addictive games, as they are to junk food, parents should try to help them Publication and Their tips can help parents: printing of small screen avoid the “sugar-cereal equivalents in the game world” in favour of spending time playing games is supported by a • decide whether their child is ready for a that can foster curiosity and creativity and help donation from cell phone • teach basic mobile phone safety children to learn and develop. • explain responsible mobile phone rules http://www.commonsensemedia.org/new/10- • set limits surprising-ways-to-spot-a-great-video- http://www.commonsensemedia.org/advice- game?utm_source=newsletter060712&utm_ for-parents/parents-guide-to-kids-and-cell- medium=email&utm_campaign=advice phones Clips ‘n’ Cuts small screen no. 287 June 2012 small screen June 2012 p4 small screen June 2012 p5

Body image is familiar territory for women’s magazines, but Weight Watchers has taken a different tack small screen June 2012 p6 small screen June 2012 p7 NEW PUBLICATIONS

ADVERTISING Jose, PE; Kljakovic, M; et al (2012) Custers, K & Van den Bulck, J (2012) Skatrud-Mickelson, M; Adachi-Mejie, The joint development of traditional Clinical practice: Fear effects by the AM; MacKenzie, TA; et al (2012) bullying and victimization with media. Giving the wrong impression: food and cyberbullying and victimization in European Journal of Pediatrics, Vol. 171, No. beverage brand impressions delivered adolescence. 4, Pp613-616 to youth through popular movies. Journal of Research on Adolescence, Vol. 22, Journal of Public Health, Vol. 34, No. 2, No. 2, Pp301-309 MEDIA EFFECTS - SOCIAL Pp245-252 Pujazon-Zazik,MA; Manasse,SM;et al (2012) Sumter, SR; Baumgartner, SE, et al (2012) Adolescents’ self-presentation on a teen Developmental trajectories of peer Boland, WA; Connell, PM; et al (2012) dating website: A risk-content analysis. victimization: Off-line and Online Children’s response to sales promotions Journal of Adolescent Health, Vol. 50, No. 5, experiences during adolescence. and their impact on purchase behavior. Pp517-520 Journal of Adolescent Health, Vol. 50, No. 6, Journal of Consumer Psychologyt, Vol. 22, Pp607-613 No. 2, Pp272-279 Karaian, Lara (2012) Donnerstein, Ed (2012) Lolita speaks: ‘Sexting’ teenage girls Hoy, MG; Childers, CC; et al (2012) Internet bullying. and the law. The evolution of self-regulation in food Pediatric Clinics of North America, Vol. 59, Crime Media Culture, Vol. 8, No. 1, Pp57-73 advertising: An analysis of CARU cases No. 3, Pp623-633 from 2000-2010. VIDEO & COMPUTER GAMES International Journal of Advertising, Vol. 31, Wartella, B Shimizu, M; Camps, G (2012) Devilly, GJ; Callahan, P Armitage, G (2012) No. 2, Pp257-290 Balancing participation and risks in The effect of violent videogame children’s Internet use: The role of playtime on anger. Keller, KL; Kuilema, LG; et al (2012) Internet literacy and parental mediation. Australian Psychologist, Vol. 47, No. 2, The impact of food branding on Cyberpsychology Behavior and Social Pp98-107 children’s eating behavior and obesity. Networking, Vol. 15, No. 5, Pp257-262 Physiology & Behavior, Vol. 106, No. 3, Sp. Ewoldsen, DR; Eno, CA; et al (2012) Iss. SI, Pp379-386 MEDIA EFFECTS - GENERAL Effect of playing violent video games Gosselt, J; Van Hoof, J; De Jong, M (2012) cooperatively or competitively on Montgomery, KC; Chester, J; et al (2012) Media rating systems: Do they work? subsequent cooperative behavior. The new threat of digital marketing. Shop floor compliance with age Cyberpsychology Behavior and Social Pediatric Clinics of North America, Vol. 59, restrictions in The Netherlands. Networking, Vol. 15, No. 5, Pp277-280 No. 3, Pp659-675 Mass Communication and Society, Vol. 15, No. 3, Pp335-359 Gunter, WD; Daly, K (2012) COMPUTERS & INTERNET Causal or spurious: Using propensity Helweg-Larson, K; Schutt, N; et al (2012) Munk, C; Diergarten, AK; et al (2012) score matching to detangle the Predictors and protective factors for Cognitive development of children’s relationship between violent video adolescent Internet victimization: understanding of television production games and violent behavior. results from a 2008 nationwide Danish techniques - A main aspect of media Computers in Human Behavior, Vol. 28, No. youth survey. literacy. 4, Pp1348-1355 ACTA Paediatrica, Vol. 101, No. 5, Pp533-539 Zeitschrift for Entwicklungspsychologie und Padagogische Psychologie, Vol. 44, No. 2, VIOLENCE Hellstrom, C; Nilsson, KW; et al (2012) Pp81-91 Fitzpatrick, C; Barnett, T; et al (2012) Influences of motives to play and Early exposure to media violence and time spent gaming on the negative Wartella, EA & Lauricella, AR (2012) later child adjustment. consquences of adolescent online Should babies be watching television Journal of Developmental and Behavioral computer gaming. and DVDs?. Pediatrics, Vol. 33, No. 4, Pp291-297 Computers in Human Behavior, Vol. 28, No. Pediatric Clinics of North America, Vol. 59, 4, Pp1379-1387 No. 3, Pp613-621

Gradinger, P; Strohmeier, D; et al (2012) Gentile, DA; Nathanson, AI; et al (2012) EVENTS Cyber-victimization and popularity Do you see what I see? Parent and child in early adolescence: Stability and reports of parental monitoring of media. predictive associations. Family Relations, Vol. 61, No. 3, Pp470-487 European Journal of Developmental Psychology, Get Ya Head Right Vol. 9, No. 2, Sp. Iss. SI, Pp228-243 Divan, HA; Kheifets, L; et al (2012) Film competition for young people Cell phone use and behavioural Hofferth, SL & Moon, UJ (2012) problems in young children. The 2012 themes are: Electronic play, study, communication, Journal of Epidemiology and Community and adolescent achievement, 2003-2008. Health, Vol. 66, No. 6, Pp524-529 1. Bullying/Cyberbullying Journal of Research on Adolescence, Vol. 22, No. 2, Pp215-224 MEDIA EFFECTS - HEALTH 2. Resisting peer pressure to Cox, R; Skouteris, H; et al (2012) Lee, Sook-Jung & Chae, Young-Gil (2012) drink alcohol Balancing participation and risks in Television viewing, television content, food intake, physical activity and body children’s Internet use: The role of 3. Forgiveness Internet literacy and parental mediation. mass index: a cross-sectional study of Cyberpsychology Behavior and Social preschool children aged 2-6 years. Networking, Vol. 15, No. 5, Pp257-262 Health Promotion Journal of Australia, Vol. http://www.getyaheadright.com/ 23, No. 1, Pp58-62 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 KIDS’ TV

A spoonful of progress in a bowl full record on privacy, there are myriad rea- A selection of children’s programs of unhealthy marketing sons why allowing Facebook to target chil- screened on TV during the period dren could harm their social, emotional, Cereal companies in the USA have im- and cognitive development.” As part of ABC 1 (afternoon programs only) proved the nutritional quality of most cere- their campaign they have set up a petition Play School; Peppa Pig; LazyTown; als marketed directly to children, but they and a facebook page. ; The Mr Men Show; Oggy have also increased advertising to children and the Cockroaches. for many of their least nutritious products, http://www.commercialfreechildhood.org/ actions/facebook.html ABC 2 according to a report by the Yale Rudd This is Emily Young; The Mr Men Show; Center for Food Policy & Obesity. Shaun the Sheep; Little Charley Bear; No Junk food for Disney Small Potatoes!; Chuggington; Five From 2008 to 2011, total media spending to The Walt Disney Co. has announced that Minutes More; Zoo Mix; Kingdom of promote child-targeted cereals increased it will become the first major media com- Parimithi; Captain Mack; Zigby; Milly by 34%. The Cereal FACTS report quanti- pany to ban junk food advertising from Molly; Guess with Jess; fies changes in the nutritional quality of its TV channels, radio stations and web- ABC 3 cereals and children’s exposure to cereal sites intended for children. That means US The Gees; The Twisted Whiskers Show; marketing. children watching Saturday morning kids’ Spliced!; Corneil and Bernie; Gasp!; shows on the company’s ABC network will Pat and Stan; Flipper and Lopaka; BTN Cereals marketed to children “have no longer see ads for fast foods and sugary Extra; Backyard Science; Ship to Shore; 56% more sugar, half as much fi- cereals that don’t meet Disney’s nutrition Sadie J; Ruby Gloom; Life with Boys. bre, and 50% more sodium,” said standards. SEVEN co-author Marlene Schwartz, deputy Toybox; Match it; Stitch; Woodlies; Erky director of the Rudd Center. “The By 2015, all food and beverage products Perky. companies know how to make a range of that are advertised, promoted or sponsored NINE good-tasting cereals that aren’t loaded will have to meet the company’s nutrition Magical Tales; Pyramid; A Gurls Wurld; with sugar and salt. Why can’t they help criteria for limiting calories and reducing Pixel Pinkie; The Saddle Club; Snake parents out and market these directly to saturated fat, sodium and sugar. Tales. children instead?” TEN http://www.cerealfacts.org/ Public health and childhood obesity ex- Wurrawhy; Scope; Totally Wild; H2O Just perts have cautioned that the effectiveness add Water. Facebook for kids under 13? of any ban will depend on how these crite- NICKELODEON ria are set. Previous attempts by the food ; ; The US based Campaign for a Commer- industry to regulate marketing to children Bubble Guppies; Kung-Fu Panda; cial Free Childhood (CCFC) is campaign- have been criticized as being too generous SpongBob SquarePants; ; ing against plans for Facebook to target to marketers. ; How to Rock; iCarly; Big Time children as young as seven and cites James Rush; The Fairly Odd Parents; Planet Steyer, CEO of the US organisation Com- The Disney Corporation has also made Sheen; Monsuno; Mad Hatter Chronicle; mon Sense Media who says that “There is changes to the food offered at its parks and ; Cool School; . absolutely no proof of any meaningful resorts. social or educational value of Facebook ; ; So for children under 13.” http://thewaltdisneycompany.com/disney- Random; Shake it Up; Good Luck news/press-releases/2012/06/walt-disney- Charlie; ; Scardy CCFC says that Facebook just isn’t safe company-sets-new-standards-food-adver- Squirrel; Jessie; Prank Stars; Fish for kids. “From cyber-bullying, to embed- tising-kids Hooks. ded advertising, to Facebook’s poor track