IB Woman
Issue No. 13 - October/November 2003
Media Management for Mothers and Others
Young Media Australia’s helpline receives calls that reflect the many concerns of parents, particularly mothers, regarding what their children have access to on television, at cinemas and on the internet.
With a rapidly expanding media environment, questions such as “How do I keep my children safe on the internet?" and “Is the latest Harry Potter movie suitable for a six year old?" are uppermost in the minds of concerned parents. Whilst these media offer a wide range of experiences for children, some are less positive than others.
Latest statistics show that media activities now take up to one third of a child’s leisure time. Australian children, on average, watch two and a half hours of television per day with computers and hand held video games greatly increasing ‘screen’ exposure. Research also strongly suggests that these media experiences can have a major influence on child health, development and well being.
So how does today’s busy but caring parent promote healthy media experiences, and avoid those that are potentially harmful?
“Most parents are trying to do the best for their kids, but they can’t always get access to constructive information about the impact of the media on young children," says Barbara Biggins, Director of Young Media Australia. “That’s why Young Media Australia established a parent media helpline with the aid of a federal government grant. We collect information on an on—going basis from around the...
