AHISA SUBMISSION

Australian Communications and Media Authority

7 December 2020

Children’s free-to-air television standards 

AHISA’s submission on proposed changes to children’s television standards recognises the value of a legislative and regulatory framework that supports industry to partner responsibly in efforts to protect children and young people, while at the same time encouraging innovation and creativity and offering sufficient flexibility for industry to adapt to changes in their operating environment. In a rapidly evolving sector, however, vigilance is required to ensure children are adequately protected. 

AHISA recommends that, in changing existing legislation and regulation on children’s television standards and Australian content for children’s programs, ACMA should undertake annual monitoring of children’s viewing habits across multiple platforms: (1) to assess the impact of proposed legislative changes on children’s exposure to harmful content; (2) to identify any emerging risks to children and young people; and (3) to evaluate whether children and young people have the opportunity to access Australian content that is sufficient and appropriate to reflect their lived experience and support their cultural formation.

Children’s free-to-air television standards – ACMA consultation