[English] Kids: TV, Computers and DVDs

[stephen at melbpc.org.au]

ACMA Media Release - 15th July 2009 (snipped)

http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_311824


'Computers and DVDs an increasing part of young Australians' lives'

A new report highlights the way that digital media is embedded in the 
lives of young children, commencing in pre-school years. 

In 2007, 94 per cent of 3 to 4 year olds watched television and 91 per 
cent watched DVDs or videos, while a sizeable proportion also used a 
computer at home (40 per cent) and a minority (16 per cent) had played 
games using an electronic games system.

Children in this age group spent an average one hour and 11 minutes 
watching television per day, 44 minutes watching DVDs and videos, seven 
minutes using computers and three minutes playing electronic games.

Use of electronic media and communications: Early childhood to teenage 
years, a report released today by the Australian Communications and Media 
Authority, brings together the ACMA’s research on media use by 8-17 year 
olds and new findings about 3-4 and 7-8 year olds from the Australian 
Institute of Family Studies study Growing Up in Australia; The 
Longitudinal Study of Australian Children..

Some key findings in the report include:

Patterns of media use change considerably as children move from early 
childhood to teenage years and as more media tools become available - 
however, the one constant is watching television, with the same average 
participation of 94 per cent for children and young people of all age 
groups.

For parents of 3-4s managing television viewing by their child was very 
important: 94 per cent of these parents had rules specifically about 
television content, and 64 per cent had timing rules. 

In contrast to younger families, fewer parents of 8-17s had rules about 
television content, from 55 per cent for 8-11s to 25 per cent for 15-17s.

Children and young people in both studies were more likely to have a 
television rather than a computer or internet access in their bedrooms.

The report is available on the ACMA’s website. (above mentioned url)

Media contact: Donald Robertson, Media Manager, on (02) 9334 7980.

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Cheers Tony
Stephen Loosley
Victoria, Australia