September 30, 2004

RESOURCES: The Behavioral Impact of Television on Children and Adolescents - Some Book Journal Article and Internet Resources

Cross-posted from the media-mentor email list

The issues of the impact of television viewing on children have been the topic of a large body and diverse group of publications and more recently of internet resources. There is a great deal of literature specifically about the behavioral impacts of television on children and adolescents and the resources below simply scratch the surface with the hope that they will get those interested in this topic a running start in finding needed research and discussion in this area. First some book and journal article citations followed by some websites with pertinent resources in this subject area. Since this topic has been around for some time, some older sources have been provided to complement the newer sources of information. ------------------------------------------- Book and Journal Article Citations The child and television drama : the psychosocial impact of cumulative viewing Corp Author: Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry., Committee on Social Issues. Publication: New York, N.Y. : Mental Health Materials Center, 1982 Television and social behavior; an annotated bibliography of research focusing on television's impact on children. Author: Atkin, Charles K.; Murray, John P.,; Nayman, Oguz B., Publication: Rockville, Md., National Institute of Mental Health 1971 Children's Perceptions of TV and Health Behavior Effects Author: Kennedy, Christine M.; Strzempko, Fran; Danford, Cynthia, and others Source: Journal of Nursing Scholarship v. 34 no. 3 2002 p. 289-294 Viewing behavior of children and TV guidance by parents: A comparison of parent and child reports. Author: Koolstra, Cees M.; Lucassen, Nicole Source: Communications v. 29 no. 2 2004 p. 179-198 Does television exposure affect emerging adults' attitudes and assumptions about sexual relationships? Correlational and experimental confirmation. Author: Ward, L. Monique. Source: Violence & Abuse Abstracts v. 8 no. 4 2002 p. 251-362 Media at home: domestic interactions and regulation. Author: Pasquier, D. Source: Communication Abstracts v. 25 no. 2 2002 p. 143-281 Parents versus peers: exploring the significance of peer mediation of antisocial television. Author: Nathanson, A.I. Source: Violence & Abuse Abstracts v. 8 no. 1 2002 p. 3-84 Effects of televised violence on aggression. Author: Bushman, B. J. and Huesmann, L. R. Source: Communication Abstracts v. 24 no. 5 2001 p. 591-738 The Mass Media and the Prevention of Child Behavior Problems: The Evaluation of a Television Series to Promote Positive Outcomes for Parents and Their Children Author: Sanders, Matthew R.; Montgomery, Danielle T.; Brechman-Toussaint, Margaret L. Source: Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry v. 41 no. 7 2000 p. 939-948 Is Television Bad for Your Health? Behavior and Body Image of the Adolescent Couch Potato Author: Van den Bulck, Jan Source: Journal of Youth and Adolescence v. 29 no. 3 2000 p. 273-288 Contributions of entertainment television to adolescents' sexual attitudes and expectations: the role of viewing amount versus viewer involvement Author: Ward, L.M., and R. Rivadeneyra Source: Violence and Abuse Abstracts v. 6 no. 2 2000 Life imitating art: adolescents and television violence. Author: Sege, Robert D. Source: Violence & Abuse Abstracts v. 5 no. 1 1999 Research paradigms, television, and social behavior. Author: Asamen , J. K. (editor); Berry , G. L. (editor) Source: Communication Abstracts v. 21 no. 5 1998 Longitudinal relations between children's exposure to TV violence and their aggressive and violent behavior in young adulthood: 1977-1992 Author: Huesmann, L Rowell; Moise-Titus, Jessica Source: Developmental Psychology v. 39 no. 2 March 2003 p. 201-221 Benchmarking the cultivation approach to video game effects: A comparison of the correlates of TV viewing and game play Author: Van Mierlo, Jan; Van den Bulck, Jan Source: Journal of Adolescence v. 27 no. 1 February 2004 p. 97-111 Violence exposure in real-life, video games, television, movies, and the internet: Is there desensitization? Author: Funk, Jeanne B; Baldacci, Heidi Bechtoldt Source: Journal of Adolescence v. 27 no. 1 February 2004 p. 23-39 Factual and Evaluative Approaches to Modifying Children's Responses to Violent Television Author: Nathanson, Amy I Source: Journal of Communication v. 54 no. 2 June 2004 p. 321-336 Sexually Related Content on Television and Adolescents of Color: Media Theory, Physiological Development, and Psychological Impact Author: Gruber, Enid; Thau, Helaine Source: Journal of Negro Education v. 72 no. 4 Fall 2003 p. 438-456 A New Scale to Assess Children's Attitude toward TV Advertising Author: Derbaix, Christian; Pecheux, Claude Source: Journal of Advertising Research v. 43 no. 4 December 2003 p. 390-399 Viewing the Viewers: Viewing Behaviors by Children and Adults During Television Programs and Commercials Author: Schmitt, Kelly L; Woolf, Kimberly Duyck; Anderson, Daniel R Source: Journal of Communication v. 53 no. 2 June 1, 2003 p. 265-281 Growing Up with Television: Everyday Learning Among Young Adolescents Author: Anonymous Source: Adolescence v. 38 no. 150 Summer 2003 p. 393 The Role of Media in Children's Development: An Ecological Perspective. Amy Jordan. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics June 2004 v. 25 no. 3 p. 196 Violent video game exposure and aggression: A literature review. Carnagey, N. L.; Anderson, C. A Minerva Psichiatrica v. 45 no. 1 March 2004. p. 1-18 Dear Santa: The effects of television advertising on young children. Pine, Karen J.; Nash, Avril. International Journal of Behavioral Development November 2002 v. 26 no. 6 p. 529 Violence, values, and the electronic media environment. Eagle, Lynne; de Bruin, Anne; Bulmer, Sandy; Corporate Communications v. 7 no. 1 2002 p. 25-33 Effects of Violent Video Games on Aggressive Behavior, Aggressive Cognition, Aggressive Affect, Physiological Arousal, and Prosocial Behavior: A Meta-Analytic Review of the Scientific Literature. Anderson, Craig A.; Bushman, Brad J. Psychological Science September 2001 v. 12 no. 5 p. 353 Impact of Media on Children and Adolescents: A 10-Year Review of the Research. Villani, Susan. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry April 2001 v. 40 no. 4 p. 392 Consuming children: Education-entertainment-advertising. Kenway, Jane; Bullen, Elizabeth; Buckingham, England: Open University Press, 2001 Television images and adolescent girls' body image disturbance. Botta, Rene A. Journal of Communication v. 49 no. 2 Spring 1999 p. 22-41 Mass media effects on violent behavior. Felson, Richard B. Annual Review of Sociology v. 22 1996 p. 103-128 Television's impact on fantasy play: A review of research. van der Voort, Tom H. A.; Valkenburg, Patti M. Developmental Review v. 14 no. 1 March 1994 p. 227-251 Television and child development. Van Evra, Judith Hillsdale, NJ, England: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc, 1990 ------------------------------------------- Here are some useful websites to help with the study of behavioral impacts of television on children. ------------------------------------------- CHILDREN: HEALTH AND MEDICAL : MEDICAL: CONDITIONS: OBESITY: Childhood Obesity: Causes, Outcomes and Measures for Prevention: Some Internet Resources and Beyond http://listserv.temple.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0409&L=temple-gold&F=&S=&P=14963 THE IMPACT OF TELEVISION ON THE ACADEMIC ABILITY OF CHILDREN <http://www2.hawaii.edu/~nahl/students/601-bib-Ikemoto.htm> Annotated Bibliography <http://www.dmacc.edu/instructors/wwzhang/118GroupProject.htm> Psychiatric Effects of Media Violence <http://www.psych.org/public_info/media_violence.cfm> Selected Readings Related To The Issue Of Television Violence <http://www.crtc.gc.ca/ENG/SOCIAL/BIBLIO.htm> Bibliography: Media Literacy http://interact.uoregon.edu/MediaLit/mlr/readings/articles/bib_UO.html Resources on Media and Media Literacy <http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/yourchild/media.htm> Media Violence Facts and Statistics <http://www.safeyouth.org/scripts/faq/mediaviolstats.asp> Youth Violence: A Report of the Surgeon General <http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/youthviolence/> _______________________________________________ Chris Schuepp Young People's Media Network Coordinator c/o ecmc European Centre for Media Competence Bergstrasse 8 D-45770 Marl Germany Tel: +49 2365 502480 Mobile: +49 176 23107083 Fax: +49 12 125 125 21981 Email: cschuepp@unicef.org URL: www.unicef.org/magic Mailing list: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/youthful-media The YPMN is supported by UNICEF and hosted by the ECMC. The opinions and views expressed in this message and/or articles and websites linked to from this message do not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations or its agencies. ____________________________________________

September 29, 2004

EVENTS: Equality and humn rights - for EVERYONE

SOURCE: email from jmccormack@crae.org.uk

WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO: www.crae.org.uk/uwhat

Equality and humn rights Â? for EVERYONE

A law will soon be written to set up a new Commission for Equality and Human Rights (called CEHR).

The new Commission will continue the work of the three existing equality bodies Â? the Commission for Racial Equality, the Equal Opportunities Commission and the Disability Rights Commission Â? and it will promote and protect human rights. It will probably start at the end of 2006. Hopefully the new Commission will work closely with the new ChildrenÂ?s Commissioner (who should start in 2005).

Children and young people can be the victims of age discrimination, and they can suffer from race, sex and disability inequality. Lesbian, gay and bisexual young people can be harmed by bad attitudes and behaviour Â? in education, the workplace and where they live. Human rights belong to everybody Â? children and young people have their own human rights treaty called the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which in 1991 the UK Government agreed to fully put into practice.

The ChildrenÂ?s Rights Alliance for England has teamed up with the GovernmentÂ?s Women and Equality Unit to run a childrenÂ?s and young peopleÂ?s national consultation event:

ON Friday October 29th 2004, 10-4pm

AT The Conference Centre, Department for Trade and Industry,

1 Victoria Street, London (wheelchair accessible)

We have invited speakers from the Commission for Racial Equality, the Equal Opportunities Commission and the Disability Rights Commission, to say how they now work with and for children and young people, and how things could change for the better.

There will be lots of time for you to ask questions and to get your ideas and views across about how the new Commission could work for YOU. Lunch will be provided nd there will be drinks and snacks throughout the day. If you can come, weÂ?ll send you a short report to help you prepare for the day.

Book your place/s NOW Â? contact Jaleh McCormack at the ChildrenÂ?s Rights Alliance for England - tel 020 7278 8222 ext. 25 jmccormack@crae.org.uk

_______________________________________________

Chris Schuepp
Young People's Media Network
Coordinator

c/o ecmc
European Centre for Media Competence
Bergstrasse 8
D-45770 Marl
Germany

Tel: +49 2365 502480
Mobile: +49 176 23107083
Fax: +49 12 125 125 21981
Email: cschuepp@unicef.org
URL: www.unicef.org/magic
Mailing list: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/youthful-media

The YPMN is supported by UNICEF and hosted by the ECMC.

The opinions and views expressed in this message and/or articles and websites linked to from this message do not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations or its agencies.
____________________________________________

NEWS: Children Receive an Average of 10 Pornographic E-Mails EVERY WEEK

SOURCE: http://www.prnewswire.co.uk/cgi/news/release?id=121013

Children Receive an Average of 10 Pornographic E-Mails EVERY WEEK

LONDON, April 14 /PRNewswire/ --

A new report from the developers of anti-spamming technology www.KidsGuard.com shows that children are fast becoming targets for unscrupulous e-mail marketeers and spammers. This new report, the most up-to-date and detailed in Europe, shows that on average a child can expect to receive 73-plus e-mail messages from strangers per week, including 10-plus pornographic messages and over 17 finance related offers; other messages include get rich quick schemes, offers of medical products/services and urgent requests for help among many others.

    MONTH       SAMPLE  FINANCE  PORN   GET    MEDICAL   HELP   MISC.  TOTAL                                         RICH            NEEDED                                         QUICK     October 03  24,925  53,620  27,706  30,545  23,792    359  53,701 189,725     November 03 22,184  25,633  47,796  25,610  22,453  5,601  97,945 225,040     December 03 18,954  78,751  21,085  40,837  11,401 12,172 113,751 278,000     TOTALS      66,063 158,004  96,588  96,994  57,647 18,133 265,398 692,764     AVERAGE DAILY        2.39    1.46    1.47    0.87   0.27    4.02    10.49     SPAM LEVELS PER USER

Sample: 66,063. Published: 03/04

KidsGuard's Andrew Shorter commented: "Since last summer we have been monitoring the kinds of e-mail sent by strangers to children using our service. It started out as a way for us to monitor the performance of our service; however, it soon became apparent very quickly that children in the UK were under siege by unscrupulous e-marketeers. Somehow these spammers had got their hands on thousand's of e-mail addresses used by children." Andrew continued: "Some of these organisations are in the dark about who they are spamming. However, companies who send children information about porn websites, get rich quick offers and links to sites selling drugs etc. cannot hide behind a lack of e-marketing knowledge or commissioning unscrupulous list-sellers to promote their wares!"

Since the introduction of new legislation to make spamming illegal in the UK, there seems to have been very little impact on the level of spam sent to UK families and children. Certainly this survey demonstrates that the UK Government may have massively underestimated the level and complexity of the "spamming" sector.

KidsGuard allows families to control who contacts them using e-mail. It has been specifically designed to help families stop strangers e-mailing their children. This is a unique service, with over 90,000 members made up of family and school users.

For more information on www.KidsGuard.com and this report e-mail Andrew.Shorter@KidsGaurd.com.

W: www.KidsGuard.com

Distributed by PR Newswire on behalf of www.KidsGuard.com

_______________________________________________

Chris Schuepp
Young People's Media Network
Coordinator

c/o ecmc
European Centre for Media Competence
Bergstrasse 8
D-45770 Marl
Germany

Tel: +49 2365 502480
Mobile: +49 176 23107083
Fax: +49 12 125 125 21981
Email: cschuepp@unicef.org
URL: www.unicef.org/magic
Mailing list: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/youthful-media

The YPMN is supported by UNICEF and hosted by the ECMC.

PROJECTS: Marginalised tribal groups get education by TV (Philippines )

SOURCE: http://www.comminit.com/trends/ctrends2003/trends-101.html

Marginalised tribal groups get education by TV
Gulf News
August 18 2003
This article announces the opening (in August 2003) of a government school in the Philippines that features television-based teaching aids. At Strong Republic School in the Mangyan community of Purnaga in Oriental Mindoro's Magsaysay town, adults from indigenous groups are educated in subjects like Nationalism and English. Each Saturday, teachers from towns travel to Purnaga for these classes.

According to the report, for years, the literacy level of the 30 or so indigenous tribal groups like the Mangyans has lagged compared to counterparts in urban areas and places more accessible to educators. (Lack of roads and the remoteness of their colonies have prevented good teachers from reaching government schools in the area). This lack of education has been blamed for these indigenous peoples' failure to secure jobs that require communication skills and literacy - a failure that contributes to their continued marginalisation.

Click here for the full article on the Gulf News site.

Source: Summary of article forwarded to the bytesforall_readers list server on August 19 2003 (click here to access the archives).

Placed on the Communication Initiative site October 06 2003.
Last Updated October 06 2003.

_______________________________________________

Chris Schuepp
Young People's Media Network
Coordinator

c/o ecmc
European Centre for Media Competence
Bergstrasse 8
D-45770 Marl
Germany

Tel: +49 2365 502480
Mobile: +49 176 23107083
Fax: +49 12 125 125 21981
Email: cschuepp@unicef.org
URL: www.unicef.org/magic
Mailing list: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/youthful-media

The YPMN is supported by UNICEF and hosted by the ECMC.

PROJECTS: Educational Video Center - New York City, USA

SOURCE: http://www.comminit.com/experiences/pds22004/experiences-490.html

Educational Video Center - New York City, USA
Summary
Founded in 1984 in New York City (NYC), United States, Educational Video Center (EVC) is a not-for-profit media arts centre that teaches documentary video production and media analysis to youth, educators, and community organisers. EVC is dedicated to the creative and community-based use of video and multi-media as a means to develop the literacy, research, public speaking, and work preparation skills of at-risk youth.

Main Communication Strategies
EVC uses face-to-face training to empower youth and members of the NYC community with media-related skills so that they might communicate in creative ways about the issues that impact their lives and put them at risk. EVC's methodology of media education brings together the traditions of student-centered progressive education and independent community documentary making. EVC media educators aim to:

actively engage students in authentic, real-world tasks related to issues that are of interest to them
facilitate small-group, collaborative work so that each student can serve as a resource and amplifier for his or her peers' learning
organically link the processes of students' creative media work and critical analysis
teach students abstract concepts by linking observation, experience, and discussion
draw on visual, print, and aural literacies for learning and expression
share student-produced media work with school and community audiences to support learning and discussion
incorporate student reflection and self-assessment throughout all work.

The idea is that, through the process of creating their own documentaries, young people experience the entire city as a learning space. A project researched, scripted, shot, and edited by students is designed to engage them in a creative group learning experience, one that is perhaps different from any other they might have in traditional school settings. The social and academic problems they carry with them to school each day, on this model, can become opportunities for research and problem solving. The hope is that their media projects will provide them with a positive and directed focus that, after hard work, will result in a concrete product that can be shared with teachers, family, and the community.

Specifically, EVC offers 3 programmes:

High School Documentary Workshop - each year, 60 NYC students learn to shoot and edit documentaries on issues that impact their lives as urban teens. EVC students learn media analysis and video documentary production during a semester-long workshop. Students earn high school credit for their work while they develop production skills such as script writing, interviewing, camera work, and editing. At the end of each semester, students present their work in public screenings and are assessed in portfolio roundtables. The tapes are then made available for distribution, with viewer guides. For example, one group of students produced "Youth Activism" (20 min), which highlights the work of several young, outspoken NYC activists and the organisations through which they work. In this documentary, EVC youth producers encourage their peers to become socially active as they explore questions such as: What are the issues that affect young people's daily lives? What are the challenges to being a socially active young person? Why and how can young people become socially active? What are some of the many different means youth are choosing to express their socio-political beliefs and to make change? And historically, what have young people actually achieved through activism?
YO-TV (Youth Organizers TV) - provides an opportunity for the most talented graduates from EVC's High School Documentary Workshop to work as paid interns producing a documentary for a professional client. In this year-long programme, YO-TV members develop skills, contacts, and confidence designed to bridge their transition between student life and the professional workplace. Organisers say that this process is important for youth who have talent and commitment but can't afford to volunteer to gain necessary hands-on experience and personal contacts.
Teacher Development Program - workshops, seminars, summer media institutes, and in-school consultations designed to give educators the framework to integrate video production, multimedia and media analysis into the classroom. For example, the Summer Media Institute trains educators in video camera operation, interviewing, editing, and media literacy techniques to engage students across the K-12 curriculum. EVC visits schools to work alongside teachers, coaching them in the planning and facilitation of student media projects. EVC teacher seminars explore theoretical and practical applications of video and digital technology for student inquiry, literacy, problem solving, and assessment.

Through these programmes, EVC students have produced over 100 documentaries on issues such as media and youth culture, gun violence, race relations, and environmental pollution. (To view clips of these tapes, or to purchase them, visit EVC's screening room). To guide media educators hoping to draw on EVC's experiences, various publications are available for download in PDF format on the EVC website. These resources include classroom curricula, research papers, viewer guides, production handbooks, and articles on teaching youth media.

Development Issues
Youth, Media Education.

Key Points
In 2001, the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities honoured EVC with the Coming Up Taller Award, presented to 10 cultural organisations in the country. EVC's youth-produced documentaries have been broadcast on the NBC, ABC, and PBS television networks. The videos have won more than 100 awards nationally and internationally, including an Emmy.

Partners
Support for EVC is provided by: The Robert Bowne Foundation, Child Welfare Fund, Frank Crystal and Co., The Green Family Foundation, Health Plus, The Estate of Isabel Johnson Hiss, JPMorgan Chase, The Janet Stone Jones Foundation, The McGraw-Hill Companies, Met Life/Learning Matters Inc., National Alliance of Media Arts and Culture, The Youth Initiatives Program of the Open Society Institute, Social Venture Partners NYC, The Tides Foundation - Mendel McCormack Fund, The New York City Department of Education, The New York State Council on the Arts (Arts in Education Program), the National Endowment for the Arts, and the US Department of Education.

For more information, contact:
Steven Goodman
Executive Director, Educational Video Center
120 W 30th Street, 7th Floor
New York, New York 10001 USA
Tel.: (212) 465-9366
Fax: (212) 465-9369
sgoodman@evc.org
info@evc.org
EVC site

Source
Letter from Jen Meagher dated January 12 2004, forwarded to the Communication Initiative; and EVC site.

Placed on the Communication Initiative site February 12 2004.
Last Updated February 12 2004.

_______________________________________________

Chris Schuepp
Young People's Media Network
Coordinator

c/o ecmc
European Centre for Media Competence
Bergstrasse 8
D-45770 Marl
Germany

Tel: +49 2365 502480
Mobile: +49 176 23107083
Fax: +49 12 125 125 21981
Email: cschuepp@unicef.org
URL: www.unicef.org/magic
Mailing list: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/youthful-media

The YPMN is supported by UNICEF and hosted by the ECMC.

PROJECTS: Using Videos to Educate Marginally Literate Girls Along the Mekong River - Laos and Thailand

SOURCE: http://www.comminit.com/experiences/pds82004/experiences-2056.html

Programme Experiences
Using Videos to Educate Marginally Literate Girls Along the Mekong River - Laos and Thailand
Summary
Conducted from January through April 2004, this pilot project was designed to gauge the success of using video compact disc (VCD) technology to meet the learning needs of young girls and other at-risk youth who cross the Mekong in search of a more exciting and financially rewarding life in Thailand. Funded by USAID and managed by the Education Development Center (EDC), this project drew on a popular technology in the region to share information and encourage behaviour change to the end of reducing these young people's risk of sexual exploitation, exposure to HIV/AIDS and drug abuse, and forced labour. The broader objective was to demonstrate the communicative power and versatility of VCD technology for meeting a range of learning needs, particularly among teenagers and youth, who seem to be strongly attracted to the VCD for its entertainment value.

Main Communication Strategies
This project used a traditionally entertaining, low-cost technology to support classroom learning. Instructional design was based primarily on VCD technology, which is used to initiate and reinforce learning through music, dialogue, sequences of images, and subtitles. Due to the variety of spoken languages in the region, the multiple sound tracks available were used strategically to offer more than one language choice for both users and peer facilitators. (Multiple sound tracks could be dedicated to training the teacher or facilitator or to provide them with guidance at difficult points in the process.) Communicative power was strengthened by maximising the functional load of the visual and oral media and limiting the role of print to simple and key phrases.

Specifically, the 2 model VCDs each included 6 short modules and made use of the medium's reputation as a mode of entertainment - modules opened with well-known music from local artists. Each 8-minute module contained a mini-drama or interview, a narrated news byte, and a sequence of images that finished with an open-ended trigger question to stimulate reflection and discussion. Content was organised to help migrant girls reflect on the trade-offs between options and hopefully, in turn, make more informed choices. The full set of modules on a given VCD was displayed via a menu of images on an opening screen, giving peer group facilitators or girls privately viewing the VCD the option of following their interests and selecting topics as often and in whatever sequence they desired.

To deliver "edu-tainment" style content, learners used a balanced combination of visual and print symbols to access information in areas of particular interest including 1) the various kinds of immigration status and the differences between them, 2) how to get out from under oppressive employers, 3) what kind of alternative health services are available under the various kinds of legal and illegal immigrant status, and 4) what kinds of genuine employment options are available to immigrant girls who are being taken advantage of by unscrupulous employers.

EDC partnered with 2 national NGOs to produce these VCDs. The Pattanarak Foundation has worked with girls at risk on the Thai side of the Mekong, while PADETC has worked with girls at risk on the Lao side of the border. Both partners are part of a network of groups and agencies involved in supporting at-risk girls who cross the Mekong. Organisers anticipated that these connections could put the partnering NGOs in a good position to work together to produce the VCDs and reach the girls already involved in their programmes.

Development Issues
Girls, Education/Literacy.

Key Points
According to organisers, "Young girls around the Mekong region are drawn to cross into Thailand by media images of safe, healthy, and well-dressed youth with money in their pockets, enjoying a comfortable life. But what the young Laotian girls don't see before they cross the Mekong River are the large number of illegal migrants unable to survive on the little money they take home from work. The young girls are often exploited by unscrupulous employers, denied health services, and given little opportunity to further their education."

Partners
EDC, the Pattanarak Foundation, and PADETC, with funding from USAID.

For more information, contact:
Stephanie Foerster
Communications Manager
International Education Systems Division (IES)
Education Development Center (EDC)
Tel.: (202) 572-3769
Fax: (202) 223-4059
Sfoerster@edc.org
IES page on the EDC website

Source
Letter sent from Stephanie Foerster to The Communication Initiative on August 16 2004; and "Low Cost Technologies for Semi-literate Mekong Girls: The Low-cost Technology for Marginally-literate Mekong Girls intiative [sic] is a core-funded dot-EDU pilot activity", May 2004.

Placed on the Communication Initiative site August 25 2004.
Last Updated August 25 2004.

_______________________________________________

Chris Schuepp
Young People's Media Network
Coordinator

c/o ecmc
European Centre for Media Competence
Bergstrasse 8
D-45770 Marl
Germany

Tel: +49 2365 502480
Mobile: +49 176 23107083
Fax: +49 12 125 125 21981
Email: cschuepp@unicef.org
URL: www.unicef.org/magic
Mailing list: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/youthful-media

The YPMN is supported by UNICEF and hosted by the ECMC.

Sen. Clinton proposes expert study of media effect on children

By JIM FITZGERALD
Associated Press Writer

September 27, 2004, 7:09 PM EDT

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. -- Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton announced Monday that she has introduced a bill to study the effect on children of electronic media _ "from the television to the Internet to the CDs and MP3s children carry with them everywhere."

Too many children, she said, live in "a sedentary, indoor, media-dominated environment."

The Children and Media Research Advancement Act would establish a panel of experts to study, for example, whether long exposure to such passive entertainment contributes to childhood obesity, the senator said in a speech to the Westchester Children's Association.

"It's not just the content, it's the process," she said.

Clinton, D-N.Y., said the typical child is exposed to 40,000 TV commercials each year as advertisers spend $15 billion on ads aimed at children. She said aggression, sleep deprivation, attention disorders and poor self-image also could be examined in relation to the onslaught of electronic media.

"This is beginning to undermine our children's ability to learn and to control their own emotions," the senator said.

Rob Stoddard, a spokesman for the National Cable and Telecommunications Association, a cable TV industry group, said his organization would need to look very closely at the legislation before expressing an opinion about it.

But he said his organization was supportive of the television rating system and has emphasized the need for "media literacy" among families.

"We always encourage parents to be aware of what their children are watching and to talk with their children frequently about the content of what they're seeing on television," he said.

Clinton said the bill has "good bipartisan support" including co-sponsors Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., and Sen. Joe Lieberman, D-Conn.

The cost of the bill had not been figured, a Clinton spokeswoman said.

Copyright Â© 2004, The Associated Press

SOURCE: http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/ny-bc-ny--hillaryclinton0927sep27,0,1078757.story?coll=ny-ap-regional-wire

September 28, 2004

RESOURCES / BOOKS: Dragan Petrovec / Violence in the Media - The Extent and the Influence of Violence in the Media in Slovenia

Dragan Petrovec / Violence in the Media - The Extent and the Influence of Violence in the Media in Slovenia

The media report on crime in a sensationalist manner. Following popular demand, they focus on the most spectacular representations of violence, to the extent, which is totally out of proportion with the actual amount of violent crimes committed. On the other hand, the media at times do not touch upon the most extreme forms of violence, in order to protect the illusion of integrity of certain individuals or social systems.
The overexposure of violence in the media, accompanied by outraged journalistic commentary on the inefficiency and leniency of the justice system in dealing with violent offenders, makes the public feel that the punitive policies are too mild and that there is a need for stricter measures to prevent crime. The public, feeling threatened and let down by the system, becomes more susceptive to vigilantist initiatives and other demands for self-help.
In light of these findings, the survey analyses the reporting on violence in Slovene print and television programmes. The results have shown that POP TV programming contains a significantly greater share of violent content and content depicting accidents than the programming of SLO 1, reflecting an obvious difference in the editorial policies. Slovenske novice, the highest selling Slovene daily, shows a 19 per cent share of violence in its content. Disregarding the supplements, the content of which is virtually always neutral or non-violent, violence makes for 29 per cent of the entire content of Slovenske novice. The front pages of Slovenske novice show an astonishing 66,7 per cent share of violent content. Comparatively, Dnevnik contains 8,6 per cent of violent content, while Delo contains 3,1 per cent.
Even though the survey has shown an overwhelming amount of violence in the Slovene media, the author feels it inappropriate to resort to censorship, seeing that in a world, interwoven with electronic systems and networks, it is impossible to dam the flow of information. There is a need for a cultural framework, within which the media audience will be able to distinguish between the good and the bad. The author understands the difficulties in trying to create such a framework. The process is hindered by the audienceÂ?s voyeuristic interest in violent content, as well as economic interests of its providers.
The author concludes by offering a partial solution. He proposes the establishing of expert bodies within television stations and newspaper publishing houses, which would deal with the representation of violence in the media.

SOURCE: http://mediawatch.mirovni-institut.si/eng/mw12.htm

E-BOOK DOWNLOAD: http://mediawatch.mirovni-institut.si/eng/violence%20in%20the%20media.pdf (573 KB, PDF)
_______________________________________________

Chris Schuepp
Young People's Media Network
Coordinator

c/o ecmc
European Centre for Media Competence
Bergstrasse 8
D-45770 Marl
Germany

Tel: +49 2365 502480
Mobile: +49 176 23107083
Fax: +49 12 125 125 21981
Email: cschuepp@unicef.org
URL: www.unicef.org/magic
Mailing list: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/youthful-media

The YPMN is supported by UNICEF and hosted by the ECMC.

The opinions and views expressed in this message and/or articles and websites linked to from this message do not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations or its agencies.
____________________________________________

NEWS / PROGRAMMES: PSI Launches Youth Media Programme - Botswana

PSI Launches Youth Media Programme

Mmegi/The Reporter (Gaborone)
September 26, 2004 - Posted to the web September 27, 2004

By Thato Chwaane

Population Services International (PSI) Botswana has come up with a new media programme to effectively communicate to the youth information they can easily relate to. 'Choose Life!' is a health communications initiative through print, radio and television.

Choose Life! manager Puseletso Mompei explained that a lot of work has been put into the programme, with over six months invested in researching and talking to young people at schools and stakeholders like the Ministry of Education, Childline and BONEPWA. "First we had to test the material and make a draft and present to the gatekeepers, such as heads of schools, teachers, parents and church leaders," she said. Choose Life! is sponsored by Soul City a South African non-governmental organisation which produces radio and television series and prints publications. Choose Life! involves the adaptation of original Soul City material to make it relevant to the target audience in Botswana - the 8-18-year-olds.

Choose Life! Programme is part of an eight-country Regional Health Communication Programme that includes Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, Mozambique, Malawi, Namibia and Zimbabwe. However, Mompei states that after the five-year period of sponsorship, Choose Life! would be a local brand standing on its own.

She said that while researching for the programme, they had to add issues of particular interest such as intergenerational sex and abstinence.

The programme hopes to produce a radio drama series that targets eight-12 year olds, adapted from Soul buddies radio drama series. Mompei said for seven to eight months they have researched and tested the material by taking it to schools. They are developing it for airing in one of the radio stations by mid 2005.

Another project under Choose Life! is a booklet on women and violence that is in the pipeline and is expected in mid 2005. This will target the 15-18 year olds, and will cover issues such as date rape and defilement among others. Soul City is assisting with skills transfer, funding and technical assistance.

The guest speaker at the launch of the campaign last week was spokesperson for the President Jeff Ramsay who commended the work of PSI. He said the launch of a multi-media campaign would be a challenge to PSI like the other challenges it approached with vigour.

Ramsay commended PSI for targeting the right audience with the radio series stating that youngsters arrive at secondary at the age between 11 and 14, when they are vulnerable to infection with the Aids virus.

Ramsay said that HIV/Aids educational campaigns have in the past been criticised to be wide in their targets and advised that media messages need to be more focused. "Media messages need to be focused in terms of age and environment, the latter being broadly understood to take in such factors as an individual's socio-economic and geographic location," Ramsay said.

He said the 2002 National Drug Control Coordinating Council found that levels of alcohol, dagga and tobacco smoking among teenagers is greater in Gaborone than other areas. Substance abuse is said to be a contributing factor in the spread of the virus in the age groups of 12 to 25 year olds.

He said Choose Life! which will focus on substance abuse and HIV/Aids would empower young people to say no to all forms of risky behaviours.

SOURCE: http://allafrica.com/stories/200409271373.html

_______________________________________________

Chris Schuepp
Young People's Media Network
Coordinator

c/o ecmc
European Centre for Media Competence
Bergstrasse 8
D-45770 Marl
Germany

Tel: +49 2365 502480
Mobile: +49 176 23107083
Fax: +49 12 125 125 21981
Email: cschuepp@unicef.org
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Mailing list: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/youthful-media

The YPMN is supported by UNICEF and hosted by the ECMC.

REMINDER: OneWorld/Staying Alive World AIDS Day 2004 Competition - in FRENCH, SPANISH, ENGLISH

OneWorld/Staying Alive World AIDS Day 2004 Competition If you're aged between 15 and 34 - and feel that you have a lot to say about the impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls using a microphone or a camera - this is the perfect opportunity to show your potential. For a second year in a row, MTV and OneWorld are organising a global competition in the run up to World AIDS Day, 1 December 2004. The competition is for young people to submit audio or video public service announcements (PSAs) that convey the messages of MTV's award winning HIV/AIDS awareness campaign, Staying Alive (www.staying-alive.org).

MTV and OneWorld share a commitment to the global fight against HIV/AIDS and this unique collaboration aims to reach an audience at a global and local level. This year entrants can unleash their creativity by developing clips on the theme of women, girls and HIV/AIDS. Winning clips in two categories (one audio and one video) will be streamed on the Staying Alive site, made available to all 26 local MTV web sites and will be featured on the OneWorld Radio and TV websites. The winners will also receive the Staying Alive 2004 Award, an honour given to an individual each year who makes an important contribution for HIV/AIDS awareness. For more information about submission of VIDEO entries go to: http://tv.oneworld.net/tapestry?article=33 of AUDIO entries go to: http://aidsradio.oneworld.net/section/aidsradio/wad2004 ************************************************************************ CompÃ©tition Oneworld/Staying Alive pour la journÃ©e mondiale du Sida 2004 Si vous Ãªtes agÃ©s entre 15 et 34 ans et vous pensez que vous avez des choses Ã dire en usant du micro ou de la camÃ©ra sur lÂ?impact que les femmes et les filles peuvent avoir dans le cadre de la lutte contre le VIH/SIDA, alors voilÃ une belle opportunitÃ© pour montrer votre talent. Pour la deuxiÃ¨me annÃ©e dÂ?affilÃ©e, MTV Staying Alive et OneWorld organisent une compÃ©tition internationale en perspective de la journÃ©e mondiale du Sida (le 1er DÃ©cembre 2004). Les jeunes pour qui cette compÃ©tition est ouverte doivent pour participer dÃ©poser des Spots de service public sous forme audio ou video vÃ©hiculant les messages du prix gagnant de MTV pour la campagne de sensibilisation sur le VIH/SIDA(www.staying-alive.org) MTV et OneWorld partagent le mÃªme engagement dans la lutte globale contre le VIH/SIDA. Et cette collaboration unique a pour objectif dÂ?atteindre une audience au niveau local et international. Les participants de cette annÃ©e peuvent faire preuve de crÃ©ativitÃ© en faisant des spots sur le thÃ¨me : femmes, filles et Sida. Les spots gagnants dans les deux catÃ©gories (un en audio et un autre en vidÃ©o) seront tÃ©lÃ©chargÃ©s sur le site Staying Alive et seront disponibles sur les 26 sites web locaux de MTV et vont figurer sur les sites de la radio et de la tÃ©lÃ©vision de OneWorld. Les laurÃ©ats recevront le prix annuel de Staying Alive pour lÂ?Ã©dition 2004. Il sÂ?agit lÃ , dÂ?un honneur fait, chaque annÃ©e, Ã une personne qui rÃ©alise une contribution considÃ©rable dans la sensibilisation sur le VIH/SIDA. Pour plus dÂ?informations concernant la participation: Pour les participants vidÃ©o consultez le lien suivant http://tv.oneworld.net/tapestry?article=33 Pour les participants audio consultez le lien suivant http://fr.radio.oneworld.net/section/radio_fr/wad2004 ************************************************************************ Concurso OneWorld/Staying Alive sobre el DÃa Mundial del SIDA Si tienes entre 15 y 34 aÃ±os y sientes que tienes mucho que decir sobre el impacto que el VIH/SIDA tiene sobre las mujeres y las jÃ³venes, usando para ello un micrÃ³fono o una cÃ¡mara, Ã©sta es la oportunidad perfecta para que demuestres tu potencial. Por segundo aÃ±o consecutivo, MTV y OneWorld organizan un concurso global en vÃsperas del DÃa Mundial del SIDA, que se llevara a cabo el 1 de Diciembre de 2004. El concurso estÃ¡ diseÃ±ado para que los jÃ³venes presenten avisos de servicio pÃºblico en formato de audio o video, que compartan el mensaje de la galardonada campaÃ±a de MTV para crear conciencia sobre el VIH/SIDA, Staying Alive (ManteniÃ©ndote Vivo)(www.staying-alive.org). MTV y OneWorld comparten el compromiso de la lucha global contra el VIH/SIDA y esta alianza Ãºnicamente busca alcanzar una audiencia a nivel global y local. Este aÃ±o los concursantes pueden dar rienda suelta a su creatividad, desarrollando clips sobre el tema de las mujeres, las jÃ³venes y el VIH/SIDA. Los clips ganadores en las dos categorÃas (una en audio y otra en video) serÃ¡n difundidos en el sitio web de Staying Alive, que estarÃ¡ disponible para todos los 26 sitios web locales de MTV, y ademÃ¡s los clips tambiÃ©n estarÃ¡n en las pÃ¡ginas electrÃ³nicas de OneWorld Radio y OneWorld TV. Los ganadores tambiÃ©n recivirÃ¡n el Premio Staying Alive 2004, un galardÃ³n dado a un individuo cada aÃ±o que hace una contribuciÃ³n importante cada aÃ±o en la concientizaciÃ³n del VIH/SIDA. Para mÃ¡s informaciÃ³n sobre las entregas de los clips : En formato de VIDEO haga click en: http://tv.oneworld.net/tapestry?article=33 En formato de AUDIO haga click en: http://es.radio.oneworld.net/section/radio_es/wad2004

SOURCE: http://tv.oneworld.net/tapestry?article=33

September 27, 2004

PROJECTS: Yarona FM - moving on, moving up - Botswana

Yarona FM - moving on, moving up

LEKOPANYE MOOKETSI
9/14/2004 9:54:29 PM (GMT +2)

When Yarona FM turned five last year, the vibrant radio station was celebrating the accomplishments of the youth. Yarona, which became the first local privately owned commercial radio station to go on air, is run entirely by youth.

The station has recently relocated from its old premises at Extension Two to an upmarket suite at the new Fairground Mall.

Â?Our biggest achievement is that we are a successful business, which is run by the youth. The fact that we have given employment to young people is testimony of the success of the radio station,Â? says the youthful station manager Dumi Lopang, adding that they have made their detractors eat humble pie. Â?Our success is a testimony to the people who felt that youth cannot do anything.Â?

He describes his colleagues as responsible and capable individuals. Yarona FM has a staff compliment of 25.and since they have a small staff turnover, each employee plays multi roles. Commenting on other achievements, he says, Yarona FM has been instrumental in promoting local musicians especially Kwaito artists. Â?We have played a big role in sponsoring musicians to start up,Â? he says.

In addition, the radio station hosts a talent search programme to identify and unearth raw talent. Some of the musicians they have unearthed, he says, include the high riding Stagga and Scar. According to Lopang, the radio station has also played a leading role in the war against HIV/AIDS. He says they have worked with Non Government Organisations (NGOs) in the crusade against AIDS.

Lopang mentions that they have also assisted orphans in and around Gaborone by making donations. Orphans at Ben Thema Primary School have been some of their beneficiaries.

The radio station is also running a school outreach programme on career guidance and counselling Â?We try to educate the youth about making wise career choices. We are trying to emphasise the importance of education to them,Â? he says.

Lopang discloses that they are also planning to become more involved in sports by sponsoring interschool tournaments. Â?We believe if the youth could play sports, this could distract them from other social evils,Â? he asserts.

He says they are also intending to establish a clothing label that would utilise the services of young Batswana designers. Another plan in the pipeline is that of publishing a magazine that would cover cultural and youth issues. Â?There is a problem of balancing globalisation with our own culture. We are trying to strike a balance to inform the youth to be appreciate of Western culture but donÂ?t forget setso sa rona,Â? he says.

Regarding business, the Yarona boss said they are not doing badly but initially it was tough when they commenced operations. He recalls that when they set up shop, advertisers preferred to do business with the government owned commercial radio station, RB II because it was cheaper.

Â?When we started we had to educate the advertisers about the benefits of advertising on radio. Most advertisers were using newspapers,Â? he says, adding that they did not understand the electronic media.

Lopang says their education campaign paid dividends as things improved tremendously the following year, adding that both Yarona and Gabz FM covered the market extensively. Â?In 2001 we started to gain the benefits from our marketing,Â? he says.

However, the introduction of the Value Added Tax (VAT), in 2002 impacted negatively on their business. Lopang says that VAT hit the consumers very hard and as a result they reduced their spending. This culminated in retailers placing less advertisements.

The devaluation of the Pula also affected business negatively, he says. Â?Since last year business has been tough. We are surviving because we are keeping our running costs at a minimal,Â? he says.

Lopang believes that things would only improve after some legislation has been passed in Parliament to enable private radio stations to broadcast nation-wide. He sees the newly drafted broadcasting policy as a blue print on how the national broadcasters would operate in Botswana.

Otherwise, Lopang feels that they are not competing on an equal footing with RB II because it is broadcasting nationally with slashed advertising rates. He says when privately owned radio stations started operating, RB II went nationally to evade competition. But he says, RB II is still charging the same advertising rates as regional radio stations. Â?Until recently they were cheaper than us but offering national coverage. They have been applying guerilla tactics to pull us down,Â? he says.

As a youthful radio station, Yarona was bound to court controversy by addressing issues that might sound unpalatable to the average listener. But Lopang says they have never run into trouble with the authorities. Â?We have not been sanctioned by the Botswana Telecommunications Authority (BTA) for using unacceptable language.Â? Of course he admits that certain issues are regarded as taboo, but Yarona has always challenged this myth, opening flood gates in the process.

Â?People say that we use unsavoury language. But we only use language that a lot of people are not familiar with. You canÂ?t talk about AIDS/HIV without discussing sexuality.

Unfortunately we shall continue to discuss sexual matters. We encourage debates on issues that are normally swept under the carpet,Â? he says, adding that there have been a few instances when people have complained about racist remarks or jokes that were aired.

Lopang admits that when they started broadcasting, they had not fine-tuned their act. Â?People only listened to us because we were the first privately owned radio station to go on air. However, we have improved over the years,Â? he said.

SOURCE: http://www.mmegi.bw/2004/September/Wednesday15/97933319392.html

_______________________________________________

Chris Schuepp
Young People's Media Network
Coordinator

c/o ecmc
European Centre for Media Competence
Bergstrasse 8
D-45770 Marl
Germany

Tel: +49 2365 502480
Mobile: +49 176 23107083
Fax: +49 12 125 125 21981
Email: cschuepp@unicef.org
URL: www.unicef.org/magic
Mailing list: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/youthful-media

The YPMN is supported by UNICEF and hosted by the ECMC.

ARTICLES: Exciting times for children's TV brands

Exciting times for children's TV brands

By Bill Wilson
BBC News Online business reporter

To an outsider the world of children's television may seem a cosy and familiar universe, if a little boisterous at times.

Characters like Hit Entertainment's Bob the Builder have gone beyond their popularity with children to become part of the national consciousness, releasing records and achieving a cult following.

Meanwhile, the Teletubbies have recently been named among the 50 most influential UK television shows.

And old favourites like Noddy and Postman Pat have taken on new leases of life, arousing feelings of nostalgia in adults of a certain age.

All, therefore, are international global brands generating millions of pounds for their owners.

The hardest thing is to develop a new successful children's brand from scratch
Patick Yau, Bridgewell

Indeed, behind the cuddly animated scenes there is a frantic world of football-style transfer-deals, spurned moves, money-spinning overseas ventures, and lucrative merchandising rights.

The announcement that the Tweenies, a children's favourite airing on the BBC, are to be "transferred" - from producers Tell-Tale to their new owners Entertainment Rights - is only the latest development in a busy 12 months.

High margins

Media companies, it seems, are gradually coming to realise that if they can develop an identifiable children's brand then there is money to be made not only from selling the actual programme, but also from licensing arrangement for merchandise and DVDs.

"People are now beginning to understand the value of children's television brands," Patrick Yau, media analyst at Bridgewell Securities, told BBC News Online.

"Hit Entertainment have been out there with their model for some time now, and it is dawning on others that having a strong international brand is a means of making money - from spin-offs, not just from the sale of the programmes."

Mr Yau said there was cash to be made from books, DVDs, CDs, and other merchandising items such as toys.

"Everyone is looking at is to get a big international brand out there. Once you have done that you can sit back and let the royalties come in.

"It is a very-high margin way of building your profitability."

Hence Basil Brush, in the guise of owners Entertainment Rights (ER), spent a couple of months stalking Noddy, in the form of his masters Chorion, before being seen off earlier this year.

After some sparring, Chorion decided ER's Â£43.5m ($79.3m) offer was "not in the best interests" of its shareholders.

Shortly after freeing himself from the posh fox's clutches, Noddy then motored into China, to make friends with its 95 million under-five year olds.

Chorion awarded the Chinese rights for Noddy books, toys, videos and DVDs, as well as educational and language products, to Beijing- based Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press (FLTRP).

Buoyed by this success, Chorion also went on to pay Â£28m to buy another group of popular children's characters, Mr Men and Little Miss, from previous owners the Hargreaves Organisation and Mr Films.

"The hardest thing is to develop a new successful children's character from scratch. You may well get a better return from buying an established children's character than from developing your own," explains Mr Yau.

"Therefore all this recent interest in acquiring established brands."

'International success'

Ironically, after blazing a trail for others to follow, this spring Hit Entertainment reported a 29% drop in income.

The firm, which owns Thomas the Tank Engine as well as Bob the Builder, said its half-year pre-tax profits before exceptional items fell 5.9% to Â£24m.

Hit said the lower availability of Bob the Builder products over Christmas was partly to blame for the sales drop. However, it believes a planned relaunch of Bob in 2005 would see him regain his former popularity.

Over the years the character has supported dozens of merchandising spin-offs, from a chart-topping record to toys to duvet covers.

But Mr Yau says: "Bob the Builder is still the international success story that others look to and hope to emulate. He has been branded in a way that does not tie him down to the UK."

Meanwhile characters like Postman Pat and Bagpuss have taken on a new lease of life, and Maverick Entertainment hopes to do the same with 58-year-old Muffin the Mule.

Maverick has been commissioned by the BBC to produce 26 ten minute episodes of Muffin, the first children's TV character back in 1946, for 2005.

However, even Mr Yau says: "I am not too sure what the appeal of reviving Muffin the Mule for the 21st Century might be.

"I can see Basil Brush has a certain English and nostalgic appeal, but I will be very interested to see if Muffin the Mule catches on."

_______________________________________________

Chris Schuepp
Young People's Media Network
Coordinator

c/o ecmc
European Centre for Media Competence
Bergstrasse 8
D-45770 Marl
Germany

Tel: +49 2365 502480
Mobile: +49 176 23107083
Fax: +49 12 125 125 21981
Email: cschuepp@unicef.org
URL: www.unicef.org/magic
Mailing list: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/youthful-media

The YPMN is supported by UNICEF and hosted by the ECMC.

September 25, 2004

NEWS: Television Workshop "You, Me and HIV/AIDS" Concluded

SOURCE: http://portal.unesco.org/ci/ev.php?URL_ID=17260&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201

Television Workshop Â?You, Me and HIV/AIDSÂ? Concluded
21-09-2004 (UNESCO)

The Southern Africa sub-regional television and networking workshop Â?You, Me and HIV/AIDSÂ? ended on Sunday in Johannesburg, South Africa following a week-long exercise in television pre- and post-production techniques. The objective of the workshop was to engage young producers with a new vision in television production and promote a culture of understanding, tolerance, and respect especially for people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.

The workshop proved to be a unique and remarkable experience both for the participating young producers, aged 21-29, as well as for the technical and social trainers. The focus on HIV/AIDS was important especially because many of the producers had not yet encountered a level of exposure that could fully bring them to grips with the reality of the pandemic. Sinzanani Village, which hosts an HIV/AIDS hospice and a care center for orphans among other things, was the perfect location to bring the producers to this realization.

Â?I used to make many programmes about HIV/AIDS and they were always negative. Now, I will make positive programmes about HIV/AIDS. The workshop has helped me to see a positive side,Â? said Judith from Malawi after intensive briefings about and visits to several of the programmes on the Sinzanani site.

The experience was naturally bonding and the team work was encouraging. Four of the participants, who volunteered to steer local producerÂ?s networks in their individual countries, were selected to coordinate and further develop a sub-regional network strategy. This is expected to lead to a new trend in HIV/AIDS television reporting, which could be key to a response by the individual broadcasters.

A state of perfection in television reporting is far from the horizon for Southern Africa but the commitment of the young producers is promising and demonstrates that this is only just a beginning. Â?Most of the producers need more training in television production,Â? said trainer Faith Isiakpere. Â?Even though the workshop has produced 4 stories the producers will need to be engaged continuously to improve their skills.Â? The initiative for self-improvement is in the hands of the young producers themselves and to rapidly advance their professional skills will require some peer and mentor support within the workplace.

Â?Reaching our objective is not going to be easy but it is extremely promising,Â? said Firdoze Bulbulia, trainer and organizer. Â?The young producers are able to appreciate sensitivity and handle difficult situations with care. Their ability to analyze their own reactions and to prepare for the events of the following day has been impressive.Â?

As an additional follow up activity, the Children and Broadcasting Foundation for Africa (CBFA) has invited Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe to develop production ideas to be scripted at the forth-coming CBFA-Sithengi international think-tank where the four productions resulting from this workshop will be viewed. UNESCO will remain involved in the follow up and expansion of the networking process.

_______________________________________________

Chris Schuepp
Young People's Media Network
Coordinator

c/o ecmc
European Centre for Media Competence
Bergstrasse 8
D-45770 Marl
Germany

Tel: +49 2365 502480
Mobile: +49 176 23107083
Fax: +49 12 125 125 21981
Email: cschuepp@unicef.org
URL: www.unicef.org/magic
Mailing list: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/youthful-media

The YPMN is supported by UNICEF and hosted by the ECMC.

NEWS / PROJECTS: 'New children's radio programme in Mozambique addresses HIV/AIDS in a "World without Secrets" '

SOURCE: Media Support Press Release

PRESS RELEASE

Â?New childrenÂ?s radio programme in Mozambique addresses HIV/AIDS in a Â?World without SecretsÂ? Â?

Â?Mundo Sem SegredosÂ? or Â?World Without SecretsÂ?, a childrenÂ?s HIV/AIDS radio programme, goes on the air in Zambezia province, Mozambique for the first time this Sunday, 26 of September.

Media Support Partnership, a British NGO, is working in partnership with the Ministry of Education and RÃ¡dio MoÃ§ambique to implement a childrenÂ?s HIV/AIDS radio project in the northern provinces of Tete, ZambÃ©zia and Cabo Delgado. The aim of the project, which is funded by DANIDA, is encourage open dialogue between young people and other members of the community about HIV/AIDS and to reduce the mystery and stigma surrounding the disease. Groups of children from the ages of 12 to 15 are being trained to produce and present radio programmes for listeners their own age which address HIV/AIDS in an open and non-judgemental way.

The aim is to make HIV/AIDS relevant for young people and not just an abstract concept which they canÂ?t relate to their own lives. Because the programmes are made by children, they will reach young listeners in a way that they can understand and accept. As well as providing the basic facts, the programmes will also aim to promote a greater respect for people living with HIV/AIDS and an understanding of the other issues which children will face as they go through adolescence.

In July, Media Support held a workshop in Zambezia province for youth production teams from all three provinces to design ideas and concepts for the programmes. One of the outputs of this workshop was the programmeÂ?s name, Â?Mundo Sem SegredosÂ?, which expresses well the need for a programme that doesnÂ?t censor information about HIV/AIDS. According to Niamh Hanafin, Media Support project coordinator, the children have shown great enthusiasm and creativity in developing the programmes. Â?The children have already spent lots of their free time working in the radio station and attending training. They are very proud that they can do something to help their peers, especially to protect them from HIV.Â?

The radio magazines will be broadcast weekly through RÃ¡dio MoÃ§ambique provincial stations in a mix of Portuguese and local languages. They will contain an entertaining mix of interviews, drama, live reports, testimonials, music and much more. Children will be encouraged to participate through letters, phone calls and competitions. A weekly counselling session, with a trained counsellor, will provide advice and solutions to listenersÂ? questions or problems.

The radio programmes will also complement and promote a HIV/AIDS resource pack which the Ministry of Education will distribute to every primary school in the three provinces. The pack, called the Kit Basico, is intended to encourage teachers to integrate HIV/AIDS information into their classes and extra-curricular activities.

The programme will be aired at 13:30 every Sunday in ZambÃ©zia. The programmes in Tete and Cabo Delgado are due to go on air within the next two months.

For further information contact:

Ms Niamh Hanafin, project coordinator, MSP

nhanafin@teledata.mz

Ph: +258-4-216353

_______________________________________________

Chris Schuepp
Young People's Media Network
Coordinator

c/o ecmc
European Centre for Media Competence
Bergstrasse 8
D-45770 Marl
Germany

Tel: +49 2365 502480
Mobile: +49 176 23107083
Fax: +49 12 125 125 21981
Email: cschuepp@unicef.org
URL: www.unicef.org/magic
Mailing list: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/youthful-media

The YPMN is supported by UNICEF and hosted by the ECMC.

NEWS: Iraqi youth reporter describes life during war

SOURCE: http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/index_24011.html

Iraqi youth reporter describes life during war

NEW YORK, 24 September 2004 Â? Shayan is UNICEFÂ?s new youth reporter in Iraq. She 17 years old and lives in Baghdad.

Earlier this year on UNICEFÂ?s Voices of Youth web discussion forum, a teenager from Iceland asked what living through a war is like. Shayan answered, sparking off an interesting discussion.

In this radio interview Shayan speaks from Baghdad, describing in her own words what life is like during a time of war (mp3 format).

Shayan speaks Arabic, English, French and Kurdish. She wants to be a dentist or journalist and hopes to study abroad. Shayan plans to provide more reports in the near future.

Voices of Youth is an interactive website for young people to explore, join in discussions and take action on issues that are important for them.

_______________________________________________

Chris Schuepp
Young People's Media Network
Coordinator

c/o ecmc
European Centre for Media Competence
Bergstrasse 8
D-45770 Marl
Germany

Tel: +49 2365 502480
Mobile: +49 176 23107083
Fax: +49 12 125 125 21981
Email: cschuepp@unicef.org
URL: www.unicef.org/magic
Mailing list: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/youthful-media

The YPMN is supported by UNICEF and hosted by the ECMC.

September 24, 2004

NEWS / PROJECTS: BarnraiserÂ´s open source social networking and team interaction software

SOURCE: Tom Calthrop / Founder, Barnraiser (via email)

The Barnraiser team is very happy to announce the latest release of 'aroundme', BarnraiserÂ´s open source social networking and team interaction software.
'aroundme' has three central components, social network, groupware, activities and task management- true social networking and team building software.

As an organisation we have four programs which combine to aid us in our goals:

Our build program
We create best of breed, open source, social networking and team building software.

Our donor program
We provide support and services for our software to individuals and businesses in exchange for donations. Our business model allows us to accept donations and institutional funding towards our activities as we are a not for profit organisation. Our donors see a return on investment. Many of them use our software, support, services, gain access to training and most importantly access to the knowledge of how to establish successful communities around their brand.

Our open education program
We want to provide high quality educational material to youth for free. We do that by providing support and services for our software to educational establishments. In exchange we ask them to contribute towards our open education program by helping us create educational material. This material is in support of formal education programs.

Our youth program
We use donations to foster youth communities using our software. We then give educational material harvested from our open education program to those youth communities. For youth, they create and administer the community. We effectively encourage young entrepreneurs - they, without knowing it, are already running a small (not for profit) business, taking part in democratic process and are empowered to grow their own communities for the good of them, their society and the economic growth of their country.

In summary, we give people the opportunity for education and empowerment through access to information communication technology.

You can find out more about our work at http://www.barnraiser.org and 'aroundme' at http://build.barnraiser.org/aroundme/

We are always looking for feedback and support. If you would like to know more or you have comments please contact us at info@barnraiser.org

We hope you like our software.

The Barnraiser Team

--
Tom Calthrop
Founder, Barnraiser.

giving young people the opportunity for education
and empowerment through access to ICT.

organisation: http://www.barnraiser.org/
development project: http://build.barnraiser.org/
open education project: http://edu.barnraiser.org/

phone (mobile): +46(0) 733 83 84 14

_______________________________________________

Chris Schuepp
Young People's Media Network
Coordinator

c/o ecmc
European Centre for Media Competence
Bergstrasse 8
D-45770 Marl
Germany

Tel: +49 2365 502480
Mobile: +49 176 23107083
Fax: +49 12 125 125 21981
Email: cschuepp@unicef.org
URL: www.unicef.org/magic
Mailing list: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/youthful-media

The YPMN is supported by UNICEF and hosted by the ECMC.

September 23, 2004

NEWS / PROJECTS: Media training is now on offer - Derry, Northern Ireland

SOURCE:
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northwest_weekly/story.jsp?story=564599

Media training is now on offer

By Ciaran O'Neill
coneill@belfasttelegraph.co.uk

22 September 2004
A new initiative has been launched in Derry to provide training for young
people keen to follow a career in the media.

The Outer North Youth Pathways to Employment is aimed at young people aged
between 12 and 18-years-old who have left school with few qualifications.

Through a link-up with the Nerve Centre, a range of courses will be offered
to the participants, who will have an opportunity to gain an NVQ
qualification.

The initiative will be co-ordinated by the Greater Shantallow Arts group.

Managing Director Oliver Green said it was a wonderful opportunity for young
people from the area.

"It is directly targeted at those young people who, for whatever reason,
have slipped through the academic achievement loop and gives them a great
opportunity to gain experience and skills that could lead to future
employment within the creative industries."

"We are delighted that the participants in this programme will have the
chance to work alongside top class tutors in the field of multi-media
studies provided by the Nerve Centre and we offer our thanks to our Local
Strategy Partnership for providing funding for this two year programme
through the EU Programme, Developing Individuals for the Labour Market."

Mr Green said they were keen to receive applications for the course from
across the community.

"This is a new and exciting programme with excellent additional benefits for
the participants built in to the role of the course and an opportunity not
to be missed by any young person considering a future career in the creative
industries," he added.

September 22, 2004

RESOURCES: G. Child rights and the media - bibliography

SOURCE: http://europa.eu.int/comm/europeaid/projects/eidhr/pdf/themes-children-unicef-material-directory_en.pdf

LEAVE NO CHILD OUT
A Partnership between the European Commission, UNICEF and NGO Networks on ChildrenÂ?s Rights
Directory of Child Rights Materials / SECOND VERSION Â? OCTOBER 2003

--- the excerpt below is on pages 78-80 in the publication mentioned above ---

G. CHILD RIGHTS AND THE MEDIA

241. Interviewing Children Â? a Guide for Journalists and Others

TRAINING Author/s: McCrum, Sarah; Hughes, Lotte

Year: 1998

Language/s: English

Description: A Guide with practical tips to help journalists, or anyone planning to

interview children, make a better job of gathering information from

children and making their views heard. This revised and extended edition

includes advice on: who, how and where to interview children, ethics and

issues of confidentiality, cultural considerations, use of language, dealing

with sensitive subjects, working with translators and photographers.

More info at: Save the Children Alliance, www.savethechildren.net; Igor Guzun,

Moldova (phone: +373-2-580115; e-mail: guzun@hotbox.ru;

aiguzun@yahoo.com)

242. Mass Media and the Rights of the Child

INFORMATIVE Author/s: UNICEF, Press Wise

Year: 1999

Language/s: Romanian

Description: A practical introduction of child rights issues for mass-media professionals.

More info at: Igor Guzun, Moldova; phone: +373-2-580115; e-mail: guzun@hotbox.ru;

aiguzun@yahoo.com

243. Putting Children in the Right: Guidelines for Journalists and Media

Professionals

INFORMATIVE Author/s: McIntyre, Peter - International Federation of Journalists

Year: 2002

Language/s: English, Spanish

Description: Practical guidelines intended to make journalists and media raise the

standards of journalists in reporting on issues involving children -- in a

way that maintains their dignity and avoids exploitation and vicimisation -

- and to encourage them to promote children's rights. It includes the full

text of the "Guidelines and principles for reporting on issues involving

children" adopted at the 2nd World Congress against Commercial

Exploitation of Children held in Yokohama (Japan) in December 2001.

More info at: International Federation of Journalists,

www.ifj.org/publications/download/childrights.pdf

Leave No Child Out Project Â? Directory of Child Rights Materials CHILD RIGHTS

244. Rights of the Child. Handbook for Media

ANALYSIS Author/s: O'Donnell, Z.; Konyk, D.; Logginova, L.; Baida, L.; Brook, D.

TRAINING Year: 2002

Language/s: Ukrainian

Description: Handbook which presents a situation analysis and methodology for

discussing child rights in mass media.

More info at: Club "Compass", Ukraine (Lyudmila Logginova - Programme Director;

phone: +380-44-553-78-57, email: compass@elan-ua.net), Foundation of

Youth Culture and Education - FYCE, Ukraine (Larisa Baida - President;

phone: +380-44-2950217; e-mail: fyce@fyce.relc.com)

245. The Invisible Child - The Image of the Child in Media Contents Intended

for Adults

ANALYSIS Author/s: Korac, Nada; Vranjesevic, Jelena

Year: 2001

Language/s: Serbian

Description: Analysis of the image of the child in the media contents intended for

adult audience in Yugoslavia: how presented and in what way. The

publication presents detailed review of the methodology and results.

More info at: Child Rights Centre, Serbia and Montenegro; phone: +38-11-3344818;

yu.cpd.org.yu

246. The Media and Children's Rights

ANALYSIS Author/s: PressWise

Year: not available

Language/s: English

Description: The paper aims to make the journalists aware of the rights of children

and the way in which these rights should be reflected in the media.

More info at: PressWise, www.presswise.org.uk/handbook.htm

Leave No Child Out Project Â? Directory of Child Rights Materials CHILD RIGHTS

247. The Press in Focus

ANALYSIS Author/s: Luksic-Orlandic, Tamara; Pavlovic-Babic, Dragica; Vidovic, Stanislava;

Niksic, Branka; Milicic, Suzana - Child Rights Centre

Year: 1999

Language/s: Serbian

Description: Analysis of press articles on children throughout 1998 and 1999 and of

the promotion of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in media.

More info at: Child Rights Centre, Serbia and Montenegro; phone: +38-11-3344818;

yu.cpd.org.yu

_______________________________________________

Chris Schuepp
Young People's Media Network
Coordinator

c/o ecmc
European Centre for Media Competence
Bergstrasse 8
D-45770 Marl
Germany

Tel: +49 2365 502480
Mobile: +49 176 23107083
Fax: +49 12 125 125 21981
Email: cschuepp@unicef.org
URL: www.unicef.org/magic
Mailing list: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/youthful-media

The YPMN is supported by UNICEF and hosted by the ECMC.

ARTICLES: Commercial breakthrough - Discussing adverts can help your children become more sceptical, says Frank Furedi

Commercial breakthrough - Discussing adverts can help your children become more sceptical, says Frank Furedi

Parents regard television as a mixed blessing. Toddlers are so easily distracted by the box that many mothers and fathers use it as a surrogate baby-sitter - a big brother to their more junior offspring.

Letting your child watch, say, Teletubbies first thing in the morning can mean an extra half hour's sleep. Little wonder, perhaps, that more than 30 per cent of four-year-old children have a television in their bedroom. Even less wonder that television has become such a part of our children's way of life.

As most parents know only too well, youngsters pick up a lot of ideas from the magic box. Television advertisements targeted at very young audiences have become an important part of the culture of childhood.

According to one recently published US study, the average American child is exposed to more than 40,000 TV commercials a year. Whether we like it or not, commercials play an active role in the socialisation of our children. They shape their desires and aspirations and influence their language.

You see the results while shopping. In the supermarket, children often recognise the cereal packets or crisp wrappers they saw on television.

They remember the names of brands and will soon be demanding this or that particular biscuit. The four-year-old daughter of a friend of mine does not just ask for a bowl of Golden Nuggets in the morning; she recites the entire commercial praising the cereal's virtues.

The power and influence that the media can exercise over children tends to provoke a confused, even paranoid response.

In May, a group of Australian doctors - the Royal Australasian College of Physicians - claimed that "advertising is child abuse" since the messages it transmits are "burned into children's brains" and "controls their behaviour for the rest of their life".

In Britain, the advertising of food and drink to children is often held responsible for the growth of child obesity. Some organisations, including the British Medical Association, have called for a complete ban on all food advertising aimed at children under 12.

But such censorious reactions to the problems are driven by dogma rather than a clear grasp of the issue. If advertising can be equated with child abuse, then so can any experience involving children. Nor can advertising be held responsible for the growth of obesity.

At a time when many parents lack the confidence to turn off the television or to tell their children that they can't have any more biscuits, blaming advertising represents a collective cop-out. Obesity is the result of a child-rearing culture that denies youngsters the physical activity they need to thrive.

But the fact that advertising is not a form of child abuse does not mean that it is not a problem. If a stranger knocked on our front door and asked to be let in to have a chat with our child, most of us would turn that person away.

Unfortunately, in our media-rich world, we find it very difficult to prevent a whole industry of strangers from talking to our children. Adults tend to switch off during a commercial; children don't make a clear distinction between a programme and a commercial, and continue to listen.

Through television, these strangers gain access to children and subject them to conversations that influence their attitudes, desires and aspirations. And that can be a problem.

Some of the unhelpful messages transmitted to children are that "pester power" works, that grown-ups are boring and children are cool, and that true happiness is realised through the purchase of products.

In one sense the challenge posed by advertising to parents is not new. Parents have always had to decide how they should deal with the many external influences that shaped the outlook of their children.

When mothers warned their children that such-and-such a person was a "bad influence" on them, they sought to contain the power that certain attitudes and ideas had over their offspring. Now parents need to adopt a similar approach towards the power of the electronic media.

Sometimes, the best way to deal with this electronic challenge is to deny access. In certain situations such an approach makes perfect sense. But just saying no will do little to help children gain a bit of media savvy.

I find it useful to discuss adverts with children. For many children such a discussion can be a useful route into considering the difference between a fact, a claim, an opinion or a lie. It is never too early to teach children the facts of life.

In particular, children need to know that what adults on television say is not always true. By the age of seven they can understand that there is a grey area between the truth and a lie and that is where many adverts are found.

Advertisers who constantly offer "free" toys or other prizes in cereal packets provide a useful focus for exploring why "there is no such thing as a free lunch" and how to define a "rip-off".

Recently I was delighted to note that a couple of boys who have been debriefed about advertising had begun to react to some adverts with critical contempt. I am convinced that this early attempt at media studies will stand them in good stead when they go off in the world to do their own shopping.

Frank Furedi is Professor in the School of Social Policy at the University of Kent.

_______________________________________________

Chris Schuepp
Young People's Media Network
Coordinator

c/o ecmc
European Centre for Media Competence
Bergstrasse 8
D-45770 Marl
Germany

Tel: +49 2365 502480
Mobile: +49 176 23107083
Fax: +49 12 125 125 21981
Email: cschuepp@unicef.org
URL: www.unicef.org/magic
Mailing list: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/youthful-media

The YPMN is supported by UNICEF and hosted by the ECMC.

NEWS: Youths lash out at media (Thailand)

SOURCE: http://www.asiamedia.ucla.edu/article.asp?parentid=14830

THAILAND: Youths lash out at media

Youth representatives accuse media of promoting flawed morals and values to the younger generation

Bangkok Post
Tuesday, September 21, 2004

By Anjira Assavanonda

Youth representatives have lashed out at family institutions and the media, accusing them of teaching flawed morals and cultural values to the younger generation.

At a forum to commemorate National Youth Day yesterday, representatives from Bangkok and four regions said the media lacked responsibility in presenting news, pictures and stories.

This was leading to violence, materialism and wrong perceptions about sex among teens.

About 200 youngsters from all parts of the country attended the forum, organised by the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security.

Noppol Sitthicharoen, from a high school in Buri Ram province, said the media did not adequately screen material before publishing it and this was ruining traditional northeastern culture.

"Old traditions are fading away by the day as Western culture pours in via all kinds of media," Mr Noppol said.

One example given were recent reports about porn star Nat Kesarin being charged over her role in a blue movie, which has apparently resulted in copycat behaviour among teenage girls.

"Such reports, while published with good intentions to expose the truth to society, are a double-edged sword as they encourage similar behaviour among girls to make quick money," Mr Noppol said.

In Buri Ram, many teenagers, boys, girls, and transvestites alike, had been involved in the commercial sex industry for many years. Secondary school girls mostly did it for fun, while older girls just wanted the money. Some were paid up to 1,200 baht for sex.

Pichetpol Thaiprasong, a senior student at Chiang Mai University, said the media had a huge influence in changing northern people's values.

"Today, the Lanna culture is being destroyed. The influx of Western culture has changed a once-decent tradition into something disgusting," he said. "Northern girls in the past were shy but today many girls approach men first and they don't consider their virginity to be important."

Families were also to blame, Mr Pichetpol said. They had failed to guide children on important issues, including sex.

"The family should be the first place where children are taught about sex, but in reality they have to learn about it at school or through friends," he said.

Thirapong Pairoj, a youth representative from the South, said family breakdowns had aggravated many problems, including drug addiction and crime.

Date Posted: 9/21/2004

_______________________________________________

Chris Schuepp
Young People's Media Network
Coordinator

c/o ecmc
European Centre for Media Competence
Bergstrasse 8
D-45770 Marl
Germany

Tel: +49 2365 502480
Mobile: +49 176 23107083
Fax: +49 12 125 125 21981
Email: cschuepp@unicef.org
URL: www.unicef.org/magic
Mailing list: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/youthful-media

The YPMN is supported by UNICEF and hosted by the ECMC.

AWARDS: Youth Watch Award: Go to West Africa

SOURCE: http://www.listenup.org/newsblog/archives/000520.html

Youth Watch Award: Go to West Africa

The Pan African Film & Television Festival is looking to send one youth video producer of African heritage to a major awards ceremony in Africa. This young person will be the winner of the YOUTH WATCH AWARD that is part of the Paul Robeson Awards Initiative.

The winning video or film production will be screened in Africa at FESPACO, and the winner will get to travel to Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso in West Africa to attend and receive the award Founded in 1969 in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, West Africa, FESPACO is the Pan African Film & Television Festival of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

FESPACO festivals convene, every odd year, beginning on the last Saturday in February. The next FESPACO festival convenes on: February 26 thru March 5, 2005
The mission of FESPACO is to:
Â?- Facilitate the screening of all African films.
Â?- Enable contacts and exchanges among film and television professionals.
Â?- Contribute to the expansion and development of African cinema as a means of expression, education and consciousness raising.

FESPACO has inspired Black filmmakers from Africa and the African Diaspora, and has become an institution and is now the premiere film and television festival for African cinema. Entries for the YOUTH WATCH AWARD are being accepted now. Submit youth/teen applications and videos/films to the Family Resource House of Unity. For more information on the Festival visit: robesonaward.com.

Posted by Colin at September 21, 2004 10:06 AM

_______________________________________________

Chris Schuepp
Young People's Media Network
Coordinator

c/o ecmc
European Centre for Media Competence
Bergstrasse 8
D-45770 Marl
Germany

Tel: +49 2365 502480
Mobile: +49 176 23107083
Fax: +49 12 125 125 21981
Email: cschuepp@unicef.org
URL: www.unicef.org/magic
Mailing list: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/youthful-media

The YPMN is supported by UNICEF and hosted by the ECMC.

WEBSITES: Nonprofit Web site helps parents monitor media used by children

SOURCE: http://www.oregonlive.com/metrowest/oregonian/beaverton/index.ssf?/base/metro_west_news/1094903990252140.xml#continue

Nonprofit Web site helps parents monitor media used by children

Thursday, September 16, 2004

Wondering whether "Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid" is an appropriate movie for your 12-year-old? Is your 8-year-old looking for a good book? Worried your teen will misuse her new cell phone?

These and other media-related issues are addressed at www.commonsensemedia.org, the Web site for Common Sense Media, a nonpartisan, nonprofit national organization that aims to keep children's media use fun, constructive and responsible.

"We believe that parents deserve another choice besides saying 'no' (to media)," the Web site proclaims.

Membership is free and includes a weekly online newsletter with reviews of recent movies, as well as articles about everything from the prevalence of racial stereotypes in video games to the deterioration of the movie ratings assigned by the Motion Picture Association of America.

"Content that once got a PG-13 now gets a PG, and content that once got an R now gets a PG-13," writes Common Sense film reviewer Nell Minow, citing a Harvard University study released in July.

Common Sense Media was started in May 2003 by James Steyer, author of "The Other Parent: The Inside Story of the Media's Effect on Our Children."

The book reflects lessons Steyer learned as head of a family media company called JP Kids, as well as his concern about sex, violence and commercialism being peddled to children through the media.

"I'll never forget watching with no small degree of horror as our tiny firstborn child (age 5) provocatively danced and lip-synched to her favorite Spice Girls tune, "If You Wanna Be My Lover," he writes in the book. One of his daughter's friends had introduced her to Spice Girls videos.

The Common Sense Web site offers reviews of hundreds of media products, including movies, television shows, video games, music, Web sites and books. Readers are encouraged to add reviews, with categories for reviews by adults and children.

The site also suggests things parents can do to improve the media environment for their children, such as moving the television out of a child's bedroom or making contracts with their children for cell phone usage and media consumption; and writing congressional representatives about media-related bills.

There also are pages for readers to record "pet media peeves" (those posted so far relate to specific commercials) or to ask for help with "dilemmas," such as "Can my 13-year-old see 'Fahrenheit 9/11'?" or "Renting a movie on weekends is a nightmare. I have a 9-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl. How can I rent something that's appropriate and that interests them both?" ("Welcome to the sibling gap," begins the answer to that question.)

Also, starting Monday, Oct. 4, the Northwest Media Literacy Center will hold monthly support group meetings for parents who want to learn more about raising children with little or no television or video games. The group will meet at the Hillsdale Library in Portland, 1525 S.W. Sunset Blvd., at 6:30 p.m. and will continue to meet on the first Monday of each month.

Participants will explore topics such as how to increase children's self-directed play and how to counter negative effects of media on children. For more information, call organizer Ellen Currey-Wilson at 503-267-1852. -- Jill Smith

WEBSITE: www.commonsensemedia.org

_______________________________________________

Chris Schuepp
Young People's Media Network
Coordinator

c/o ecmc
European Centre for Media Competence
Bergstrasse 8
D-45770 Marl
Germany

Tel: +49 2365 502480
Mobile: +49 176 23107083
Fax: +49 12 125 125 21981
Email: cschuepp@unicef.org
URL: www.unicef.org/magic
Mailing list: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/youthful-media

The YPMN is supported by UNICEF and hosted by the ECMC.

Check out the MAGIC website for more on youth & media:

September 21, 2004

CHILD RIGHTS: Postgraduate Diploma Programme

SOURCE: CRINMAIL 611

- CHILD RIGHTS: Postgraduate Diploma Programme [course]

Date: 20 April - 1 July 2005
Location: The Hague, The Netherlands

The Children, Youth and Development Diploma Programme is provided by the International Centre for Child and Youth Studies, a collaborative initiative of the Institute of Development Studies (ISS) and International Child Development Initiatives (ICDI). It responds to the increased concern at national and international levels for the protection of children and youth, the promotion of their rights and well-being and their capacity to play an active role in their own and their society's development.

Over a concentrated period of 10 weeks participants are challenged both to broaden their knowledge and horizons with a grounding in key issues in the field of children, youth and development. They will deepen their professional competence in problem identification, policy analysis and project design in their chosen area of specialisation.

CYD is intended primarily for young and mid-career professionals in international, national and local development agencies who are confronted in their work with issues involving children and youth. Important secondary target groups are those working in institutes of higher education and research, and those who intend to follow a career path in the field of children, youth and development.

By the end of the programme participants will have: become familiar with key ideas and debates on childhood and youth in the social sciences, development studies and law; explored the implications of children's rights and rights-based approaches for policy-making and programming; explored key problem areas in this field with special attention to the design of effective child-centred programmes and projects, and improved their capacities to prepare and present professional briefing papers and proposals for policy-oriented research or action projects.

Deadline for application: 1 February 2005

For more information, contact:
Student Office, Institute of Social Studies
P.O. Box 29776, 2502 LT The Hague, The Netherlands
Email: student.office@iss.nl
Website: www.iss.nl

Visit: http://www.crin.org/resources/infoDetail.asp?ID=4542

_______________________________________________

Chris Schuepp
Young People's Media Network
Coordinator

c/o ecmc
European Centre for Media Competence
Bergstrasse 8
D-45770 Marl
Germany

Tel: +49 2365 502480
Mobile: +49 176 23107083
Fax: +49 12 125 125 21981
Email: cschuepp@unicef.org
URL: www.unicef.org/magic
Mailing list: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/youthful-media

The YPMN is supported by UNICEF and hosted by the ECMC.

NEWS: ADB helps to reform education sector (Uzbekistan)

SOURCE: http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=43252

UZBEKISTAN: ADB helps to reform education sector

TASHKENT, 20 Sep 2004 (IRIN) - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a further $30 million loan to help reform the education sector of Central Asia's most populous state, bringing the total of its loan projects for education to more than $230 million since 1997.

Uzbek schools and colleges have been experiencing difficulties since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 with shortages of textbooks, a lack of teaching equipment and the resignation of teachers due to poor salaries, critics say. The government has been reforming the higher education system for several years and this year adopted another five-year plan to reform state schools.

"Reforming the education sector is essential to Uzbekistan's transition to a market economy," Sean O'Sullivan, ADB country director, told IRIN in the capital Tashkent. "Curriculum reform, teacher training and the development of new textbooks are key elements in shifting the education system from rote learning to a more student-centred approach," he added.

ADB has been working closely with the Uzbek government to address the needs of the education sector since 1996, mainly focusing on developing a comprehensive policy framework, and implementing necessary policy reforms and actions to support these reforms. Developing textbooks and teaching-learning materials for basic (primary and secondary) education and strengthening senior secondary education have also been targeted.

According to the ADB official, the organisation is working in close partnership with the Ministries of Public Education, Higher and Senior Secondary Education, and the central and local governments, but it is also collaborating with schools, teachers, students and local communities.

"Significant progress has been made in modernising educational structures, processes and content, improving efficiency, reforming governance, and ensuring access for poor and vulnerable groups" he said.

In 1997, ADB allocated $40 million to implement two basic education textbook development projects which have supported the development of a new generation of learner-friendly textbooks. The projects also helped to ensure that all children, including those from poor families in rural areas, have access to quality textbooks and stimulated the emergence of private textbook publishers, the official noted.

"The projects have received strong government support, and the ADB considers that they have so far been successful in achieving agreed objectives," O'Sullivan underlined.

The government news agency UzA reported last week that 500 public schools and five teacher training colleges have been equipped under a separate $38.5 million ADB loan approved in 2002. This project is also introducing new training methods on the basis of distance learning at 14 regional teachers' training centres designed to train 2,700 teachers around the country, the report said.

The ADB is also planning to allocate a further $40 million in 2005 and 2006 to finance the construction and equipping of schools, and the introduction of a new pay system for teachers, the Uzbek government announced last week.

"In the ADB's view, the government of Uzbekistan is undertaking necessary reforms in the education sector and has adopted a reform agenda that is in line with the needs of a transitional economy," the ADB country director said. "We look forward to continuing our close cooperation with the Government of Uzbekistan in this important sector," he added.

The ADB is the largest investor among international financial institutions operating in Uzbekistan with a total $1.3 billion loan portfolio in key sectors of the country's economy, social structure, transport and communications.

_______________________________________________

Chris Schuepp
Young People's Media Network
Coordinator

c/o ecmc
European Centre for Media Competence
Bergstrasse 8
D-45770 Marl
Germany

Tel: +49 2365 502480
Mobile: +49 176 23107083
Fax: +49 12 125 125 21981
Email: cschuepp@unicef.org
URL: www.unicef.org/magic
Mailing list: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/youthful-media

The YPMN is supported by UNICEF and hosted by the ECMC.

PAKISTANI, INDIAN JOURNALISTS ELIGIBLE FOR CNN AWARD

SOURCE: IJNet newsletter #275

PAKISTANI, INDIAN JOURNALISTS ELIGIBLE FOR CNN AWARD
--------------------------------------------

Young journalists from Pakistan and India have until October 30
to apply for the CNN Young Journalist Award (CNN YJA).

Two award categories are available: television and print/online.
Indian and Pakistani journalists between 22 and 26 years old
from broadcast, online or print media are eligible to participate.
Entry forms are available at
http://www.cnnasiapacific.com/YJA/YJA_EntryForm2004.pdf.

Applications for the television category should include a
feature-style TV news package that has been produced and
aired between January 1 and September 30, 2004. Submissions
must relate to a general news story relevant to any part of India
and Pakistan.

Entries in the print and online category must be a news article
written solely by the applicant and published in either a local
publication or Web site between January 1 and September
30, 2004.

All entries must be clearly labeled with name, address, company
name, e-mail address, telephone and fax numbers. Applicants
should also include an updated resume and a recent photograph.

Indian participants should send their applications to: Turner
International India Pvt. Limited, S - 2 Level, Block - F, International
Trade Tower, Nehru Place, New Delhi - 110019, India.

Pakistani candidates should send their entries to: Shahid Ahmad
at the Information & Systems Corp. Ltd., 4-J.C.H.S. Sharea Faisal,
Karachi- 75350, Pakistan.

Details are at http://www.cnnasiapacific.com/yja.

September 14, 2004

NEWS / AWARDS: Indian & Asutralian newspapers win World Young Reader Prize

SOURCE: IJNet newsletter #274

INDIAN, AUSTRALIAN NEWSPAPER WINS WORLD YOUNG READER PRIZE
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The Paris-based World Association of Newspapers (WAN) has awarded newspapers in India and Australia with its 2004 World Young Reader Prize, which recognizes newspapers that devise the most innovative projects to develop young readers.

The Indian winner is The Telegraph in Schools (TTIS) - a weekly newspaper distributed by the English-language daily The Telegraph. TTIS is a 16-page color newspaper geared towards students in primary and secondary schools. 17,000 copies of the paper are handed out to 278 schools every week around Calcutta.

TTIS is written by and for young people. It employs 600 reporters between 10 and 18 years old, and organizes a variety of activities and clubs for young people in the region. In 2004, for example, it helped to send a group of young people to Pakistan as goodwill ambassadors who later wrote about their experiences for the paper.

TTIS shares the 2004 prize with the West Australian, an initiative designed to give students insight into different countries and current events by using the travel and general news sections of newspapers.

"The West Australian offered schools a fun way to learn about the world that highlights the travel section, a part of the newspaper rarely used in newspapers in education programs, and provided a cost-effective approach for the project that doubled sales to schools," said award organizers.

WAN also awarded Jury Commendations to La Vanguardia in Mexico and the Chaniotika Nea in Greece. Special Mention awards also went collectively to newspapers of Brazil for their range of activities dedicated to young readers and to three newspapers in Eastern Europe: Eesti Express in Estonia, Diena in Latvia, and Panon Press Association in Hungary.

The awards will be presented in November at the WAN Editor and Marketeer Conference, scheduled for November 25 to 26 in Lisbon, Portugal.

For details about the award winners, visit http://www.wan-press.org/article5263.html.

_______________________________________________

Chris Schuepp
Young People's Media Network
Coordinator

c/o ecmc
European Centre for Media Competence
Bergstrasse 8
D-45770 Marl
Germany

Tel: +49 2365 502480
Mobile: +49 176 23107083
Fax: +49 12 125 125 21981
Email: cschuepp@unicef.org
URL: www.unicef.org/magic
Mailing list: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/youthful-media

The YPMN is supported by UNICEF and hosted by the ECMC.

September 13, 2004

NEWS: Exciting times for children's TV brands

SOURCE: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/3652012.stm

Exciting times for children's TV brands

By Bill Wilson
BBC News Online business reporter

To an outsider the world of children's television may seem a cosy and familiar universe, if a little boisterous at times.

Characters like Hit Entertainment's Bob the Builder have gone beyond their popularity with children to become part of the national consciousness, releasing records and achieving a cult following.

Meanwhile, the Teletubbies have recently been named among the 50 most influential UK television shows.

And old favourites like Noddy and Postman Pat have taken on new leases of life, arousing feelings of nostalgia in adults of a certain age.

All, therefore, are international global brands generating millions of pounds for their owners.

The hardest thing is to develop a new successful children's brand from scratch
Patick Yau, Bridgewell

Indeed, behind the cuddly animated scenes there is a frantic world of football-style transfer-deals, spurned moves, money-spinning overseas ventures, and lucrative merchandising rights.

High margins

"People are now beginning to understand the value of children's television brands," Patrick Yau, media analyst at Bridgewell Securities, told BBC News Online.

"Hit have been out there with their model for some time now, and it is dawning on others that having a strong international brand is a means of making money - from spin-offs, not just from the sale of the programmes."