Question. How important is play for human development?
Answer: Very important. A 2007 report from the American Academy of Paediatrics documents that play promotes behavioural development, brain growth, learning and that regular physical activity had positive effects on academic performance. Furthermore, the University of North Carolina’s Abecedarian Early Child Intervention program found that children who received an enriched, play-oriented parenting and early childhood program had significantly higher IQ’s at age five than did a comparable group of children who were not in the program (105 vs. 85 points).
beyondblue, the national depression initiative report 1 in 4 young people are battling a mental illness prior to reaching the age of 18. Rather than being the ambulance and the bottom of the cliff it is time to see what we can do to build resilience in young people and what early childhood factors have contributed to their apparent vulnerability. One but by no means the only factor, is the fact that play is rapidly disappearing from our homes, our schools, and our neighbourhoods.
Consider the following facts. Over the last two decades alone, children have lost eight hours of free, unstructured, and spontaneous play a week. More than 30,000 schools in the United States have eliminated recess to make more time for academics. From 1997 to 2003, children’s time spent outdoors fell 50 percent, according to a study by Sandra Hofferth at the University of Maryland.
Hofferth has also found that the amount of time children spend in organized sports has doubled, and the number of minutes children devote each week to passive leisure, not including watching television, has increased from 30 minutes to more than three hours. It is no surprise, then, that childhood obesity is now considered an epidemic.
The decline of children’s free, self-initiated play is the result of a perfect storm of technological innovation, rapid social change, and economic globalization.
Technological innovations have led to the all-pervasiveness of television and computer screens in our society in general, and in our homes in particular. An unintended consequence of this invasion is that childhood has moved indoors. Children who might once have enjoyed a pick-up game of football in an empty lot now watch the game on TV, sitting on their couch.
Meanwhile, single and working parents now outnumber the once-predominant nuclear family, in which a stay-at-home mother could provide the kind of loose oversight that facilitates free play. Instead, busy working parents outsource at least some of their former responsibilities to coaches, tutors, trainers, martial arts teachers, and other professionals.
As a result, middle-income children spend more of their free time in adult-led and –organized activities than any earlier generation. Low income youth sometimes have the opposite problem: Their parents may not have the means to put them in high-quality programs that provide alternatives to playing in unsafe neighbourhoods.) Finally, a global has increased parental fears about their children’s prospects in an increasingly high-tech marketplace. As a society we need to become much more proactive in reclaiming play and we should all every opportunity to use the media to advocate on behalf of our children.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Jessica Watson
The weekend death of 2 experienced sailors (Sunday Age 11/10) highlights the dangers inherent in yachting and the inadvisability of Jessica Watson's bid to sail solo around the world.
Many experienced yachties have added their voice to a growing chorus of experts which includes Queensland's Maritime Safety Bureau saying that 16 year old is too inexperienced to embark on such an 11 month voyage.
Not only are there legitimate questions as to whether she has the cognitive and emotional maturity to handle such an arduous journey, this sets a dangerous precedent which might encourage even younger people to try their hand.
A Dutch court put a stop to 13-year-old Dutch sailor Laura Dekker from attempting to become the youngest person ever to sail around by taking temporary custody of her, surely it is time for the Family Court or the Supreme Court of Queensland to grant an injunction preventing her from doing so?--
Many experienced yachties have added their voice to a growing chorus of experts which includes Queensland's Maritime Safety Bureau saying that 16 year old is too inexperienced to embark on such an 11 month voyage.
Not only are there legitimate questions as to whether she has the cognitive and emotional maturity to handle such an arduous journey, this sets a dangerous precedent which might encourage even younger people to try their hand.
A Dutch court put a stop to 13-year-old Dutch sailor Laura Dekker from attempting to become the youngest person ever to sail around by taking temporary custody of her, surely it is time for the Family Court or the Supreme Court of Queensland to grant an injunction preventing her from doing so?--
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Kyle Sandilands
Kyle Sandilands must be one of the most unpopular guys on the planet, with his latest outburst seeing him once again facing the sack from his $2 million 2DayFM breakfast show for making grotesquely tactless and insensitive remarks that comic Magda Szubanski would lose more weight if she spent time in a concentration camp - just weeks after being censured for a lie-detector prank involving a raped teen.
Kyle is copping it from everywhere, including NSW Premier, Nathan Rees, who said he did not think the breakfast radio hosts Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O should have been allowed back on air after thier last gaff. Add to that Victorian Premier John Brumby who slammed Sandilands, labelling his comments completely inappropriate and insensitive, an emotional pop star Rene Geyer who demanded Sandilands be taken off air permanently, breaking down on Rafdio 3AW, as she spoke of photos of her mother in a Nazi concentration camp and Zionist Council of Victoria president, Dr Danny Lamm, suggesting suspending Sandilands was inadequate.
Just when one thought things could not get much worse - this weekend, the paper carries comments from his Dad Peter Sandilands deniying his DJ son's story of living on the streets for a year as a teenager, insisting Kyle only did so for a night or two. Professionally he is in deep do do. Sponsors such as Optus are withdrawing their support from his show and it is understood that the shock-jock has exhausted the patience of his network executive chairman Peter Harvie, who reportedly wantsthe host removed.
It is entrirely unsurprising that the suspended star is believed to be en route to Sydney from the US, replaced on air yesterday by Australian Idol's Andrew G and singer Dannii Minogue who joined host Jackie O.So what is it with Kyle? A journalist who recently interviewed him described him as "...a fairly simple guy who knew his place in the world, a guy who perhaps had more opinions than knowledge."
I think this is an oversimplification and I am beginning to think it may be more complex than this and I am beginning to feel sorry for Kyle. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) published by the American Psychiatric Association and which provides diagnostic criteria for mental disorders, there is a diagnosis of a condition known as a personality disorder. Personality disorders are defined by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) as "an enduring pattern of inner experience and behavior that deviates markedly from the expectations of the culture of the individual who exhibits it". These patterns, as noted, are inflexible and pervasive across many situations, due in large part to the fact that such behavior is ego-syntonic (i.e. the patterns are consistent with the ego integrity of the individual) and, therefore, perceived to be entirely appropriate by that individual.
The onset of these patterns of behavior can typically be traced back to late adolescence and the beginning of adulthood and, in rarer instances, childhood. Diagnosis of a personality disorder is very subjective, but in order for someone to be diagnosed, for example with a borderline persionality disorder, three or more of the following are required:
Failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest;
Deceitfulness, as indicated by repeatedly lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure; Impulsivity or failure to plan ahead;
Irritability and aggressiveness, as indicated by repeated physical fights or assaults;
Reckless disregard for safety of self or others;
Consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain consistent work behavior or honour financial obligations;
Lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another.
I don't know Kyle Sandilands, but as far as I have read, he does not meet criterion 1,2,4 or 5 and the readers of this blog can draw their own conclusions about the others. As I have never interviewed Kyle it would be quite improper and unethical to suggest that he has a specific personality disorder - however, when an individual exhibits the same type of behaviour over and over again, one has to ask whether something else may lie behind his behaviour.
All I do know is that after Kyle first suspension, the media rang me for an opinion and I suggested that he use his time off to reflect on his actions, now I am suggesting that he use his time off to reflect with a professional person, who may help him explore how his early life experiences may be influencing his current behaviour. As for the journalists baying for his blood perhaps it is time to let things play out in private. How about leaving Kyle alone to sort out his life?
Kyle is copping it from everywhere, including NSW Premier, Nathan Rees, who said he did not think the breakfast radio hosts Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O should have been allowed back on air after thier last gaff. Add to that Victorian Premier John Brumby who slammed Sandilands, labelling his comments completely inappropriate and insensitive, an emotional pop star Rene Geyer who demanded Sandilands be taken off air permanently, breaking down on Rafdio 3AW, as she spoke of photos of her mother in a Nazi concentration camp and Zionist Council of Victoria president, Dr Danny Lamm, suggesting suspending Sandilands was inadequate.
Just when one thought things could not get much worse - this weekend, the paper carries comments from his Dad Peter Sandilands deniying his DJ son's story of living on the streets for a year as a teenager, insisting Kyle only did so for a night or two. Professionally he is in deep do do. Sponsors such as Optus are withdrawing their support from his show and it is understood that the shock-jock has exhausted the patience of his network executive chairman Peter Harvie, who reportedly wantsthe host removed.
It is entrirely unsurprising that the suspended star is believed to be en route to Sydney from the US, replaced on air yesterday by Australian Idol's Andrew G and singer Dannii Minogue who joined host Jackie O.So what is it with Kyle? A journalist who recently interviewed him described him as "...a fairly simple guy who knew his place in the world, a guy who perhaps had more opinions than knowledge."
I think this is an oversimplification and I am beginning to think it may be more complex than this and I am beginning to feel sorry for Kyle. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) published by the American Psychiatric Association and which provides diagnostic criteria for mental disorders, there is a diagnosis of a condition known as a personality disorder. Personality disorders are defined by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) as "an enduring pattern of inner experience and behavior that deviates markedly from the expectations of the culture of the individual who exhibits it". These patterns, as noted, are inflexible and pervasive across many situations, due in large part to the fact that such behavior is ego-syntonic (i.e. the patterns are consistent with the ego integrity of the individual) and, therefore, perceived to be entirely appropriate by that individual.
The onset of these patterns of behavior can typically be traced back to late adolescence and the beginning of adulthood and, in rarer instances, childhood. Diagnosis of a personality disorder is very subjective, but in order for someone to be diagnosed, for example with a borderline persionality disorder, three or more of the following are required:
Failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest;
Deceitfulness, as indicated by repeatedly lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure; Impulsivity or failure to plan ahead;
Irritability and aggressiveness, as indicated by repeated physical fights or assaults;
Reckless disregard for safety of self or others;
Consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain consistent work behavior or honour financial obligations;
Lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another.
I don't know Kyle Sandilands, but as far as I have read, he does not meet criterion 1,2,4 or 5 and the readers of this blog can draw their own conclusions about the others. As I have never interviewed Kyle it would be quite improper and unethical to suggest that he has a specific personality disorder - however, when an individual exhibits the same type of behaviour over and over again, one has to ask whether something else may lie behind his behaviour.
All I do know is that after Kyle first suspension, the media rang me for an opinion and I suggested that he use his time off to reflect on his actions, now I am suggesting that he use his time off to reflect with a professional person, who may help him explore how his early life experiences may be influencing his current behaviour. As for the journalists baying for his blood perhaps it is time to let things play out in private. How about leaving Kyle alone to sort out his life?
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Road carnage solutions
The apprehension of a 78-year-old Narre Warren North man driving 170km/h in a 100km/h zone in Brandy Creek Road, Warragul reminds us that it is not just young people who drive recklessly.
Some 887 kilometres away, around about the same time in the Sydney suburb of Chipping Norton a 15 year old girl Lucy Lieberman, was killed instantly after her 18 year old boyfriend’s Honda Integra skidded for 80m before it slammed into a power pole, the fourth crash involving P platers in as many days. Flowers now mark the spot where Lucy died.
Her death prompted desperate NSW police to seek new laws allowing them to confiscate the cars of speeding P-platers. Current laws only allow for cars to be confiscated from drivers caught street racing and doing burn-outs. But police want to be able to seize cars from any P-plater who exceeds the speed limit by more than 20kmh
Traffic services commander Chief Superintendent John Hartley has suggested that for the first offence, the driver could lose the car for a week to three months, and the second time they could lose it completely, even if it was their parents' car.
"A second-time offender may have the vehicle forfeited for sale or destruction . . . placing an onus on owners lending cars to P-platers to ensure they do the right thing," he was reported to have said in Sydney’s Daily Telegraph.
Having enjoyed some success in lowering the road toll, it is time the community gave its leaders the green light to target P platers in the same way. The Victorian Government has the opportunity to continue its pioneering work in public health, exemplified by the success in getting young people to stop smoking in creating a very strong deterrent to stop the senseless loss of young lives.
While there is no doubt that the vast majority of P-platers drive responsibly, there remain a small cohort of young, mostly male drivers, who continue to flaunt the law.
Teenage boys flirt on the edges of danger.
They engage in risky behaviour because they think they have a cloak of invulnerability draped around them.
Many believe that nothing will ever happen to them.
Recent advances in functional MRI technology, known as fMRI, have shed some light on why teenage boys harbor this mistaken belief.
New discoveries provide scientific confirmation that the teenage years are a time of significant transition.
They shed light on the mysteries of adolescence and demonstrate that adolescents have significant neurological deficiencies that cause stark limitations of judgment.
Research suggests that when compounded with known risk factors, these limitations can set the psychological stage for the sort of tragedy that happened in Chipping Norton.
Research shows that adolescent brains are not fully developed: the capacity to make decisions, use judgment, respond to the emotions of others and assess long-term consequences are works in progress.
Even as their brains develop and their cognitive abilities mature, adolescents continue to display psycho-social immaturity.
Which is why they are more prone to peer pressure, tend to focus on reward over risk, act impulsively and are present instead of future oriented.
It is clear from the research that a unique characteristic of teenage boys is an inability to predict the consequences of their actions.
This is largely because during adolescence, the brain undergoes significant maturation called myelination, which streamlines the connections inside the brain, allowing for more reasoned responses.
The general consensus among neuroscientists is that the maturation process is not completed until young adulthood: perhaps as late as 30 years of age, making the teenage brain inherently less capable of balancing emotions and more likely to exhibit risk-taking behaviour.
The result of this delay in brain development can be seen clearly on the roads.
Young people aged 16-20 represent 7 per cent of all drivers but account for 18 per cent of all fatalities.
This number increases to 25 per cent between 10pm and 2am.
So, part of the reason for what happened to Lucy is that the driver was a teenage boy and his brain was simply not capable of making a sensible judgment.
But the sad reality is that the law can do only so much to protect the teenage brain from itself.
One thing is clear: laws that say young people are fully mature at the age of 18 are wildly out of step with modern neuroscience.
Perhaps the loss of their cars – so intertwined now with their sense of self will make a difference. In any case, what would be wrong with a Victorian trial of such a law?
Until the issue is addressed there will be more flowers next to power poles in the years to come.
Some 887 kilometres away, around about the same time in the Sydney suburb of Chipping Norton a 15 year old girl Lucy Lieberman, was killed instantly after her 18 year old boyfriend’s Honda Integra skidded for 80m before it slammed into a power pole, the fourth crash involving P platers in as many days. Flowers now mark the spot where Lucy died.
Her death prompted desperate NSW police to seek new laws allowing them to confiscate the cars of speeding P-platers. Current laws only allow for cars to be confiscated from drivers caught street racing and doing burn-outs. But police want to be able to seize cars from any P-plater who exceeds the speed limit by more than 20kmh
Traffic services commander Chief Superintendent John Hartley has suggested that for the first offence, the driver could lose the car for a week to three months, and the second time they could lose it completely, even if it was their parents' car.
"A second-time offender may have the vehicle forfeited for sale or destruction . . . placing an onus on owners lending cars to P-platers to ensure they do the right thing," he was reported to have said in Sydney’s Daily Telegraph.
Having enjoyed some success in lowering the road toll, it is time the community gave its leaders the green light to target P platers in the same way. The Victorian Government has the opportunity to continue its pioneering work in public health, exemplified by the success in getting young people to stop smoking in creating a very strong deterrent to stop the senseless loss of young lives.
While there is no doubt that the vast majority of P-platers drive responsibly, there remain a small cohort of young, mostly male drivers, who continue to flaunt the law.
Teenage boys flirt on the edges of danger.
They engage in risky behaviour because they think they have a cloak of invulnerability draped around them.
Many believe that nothing will ever happen to them.
Recent advances in functional MRI technology, known as fMRI, have shed some light on why teenage boys harbor this mistaken belief.
New discoveries provide scientific confirmation that the teenage years are a time of significant transition.
They shed light on the mysteries of adolescence and demonstrate that adolescents have significant neurological deficiencies that cause stark limitations of judgment.
Research suggests that when compounded with known risk factors, these limitations can set the psychological stage for the sort of tragedy that happened in Chipping Norton.
Research shows that adolescent brains are not fully developed: the capacity to make decisions, use judgment, respond to the emotions of others and assess long-term consequences are works in progress.
Even as their brains develop and their cognitive abilities mature, adolescents continue to display psycho-social immaturity.
Which is why they are more prone to peer pressure, tend to focus on reward over risk, act impulsively and are present instead of future oriented.
It is clear from the research that a unique characteristic of teenage boys is an inability to predict the consequences of their actions.
This is largely because during adolescence, the brain undergoes significant maturation called myelination, which streamlines the connections inside the brain, allowing for more reasoned responses.
The general consensus among neuroscientists is that the maturation process is not completed until young adulthood: perhaps as late as 30 years of age, making the teenage brain inherently less capable of balancing emotions and more likely to exhibit risk-taking behaviour.
The result of this delay in brain development can be seen clearly on the roads.
Young people aged 16-20 represent 7 per cent of all drivers but account for 18 per cent of all fatalities.
This number increases to 25 per cent between 10pm and 2am.
So, part of the reason for what happened to Lucy is that the driver was a teenage boy and his brain was simply not capable of making a sensible judgment.
But the sad reality is that the law can do only so much to protect the teenage brain from itself.
One thing is clear: laws that say young people are fully mature at the age of 18 are wildly out of step with modern neuroscience.
Perhaps the loss of their cars – so intertwined now with their sense of self will make a difference. In any case, what would be wrong with a Victorian trial of such a law?
Until the issue is addressed there will be more flowers next to power poles in the years to come.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
5 ways to survive the festive season
For many people, the festive season is a wonderful and happy time; a period of the year in which they interact with loved ones, enjoy good food and receive plentiful gifts. To these people, I say good luck and may you have all the love and happiness you no doubt deserve.
For others, however, this time of year can actually be very difficult. For these people the festive season is a period that reinforces the extent to which they feel alone; for many of these people it simply serves as a reminder of loss (if, for example, someone they know has died or left them). For some people the festive season is just a frustrating interruption to their normal routine and so to all these people, I offer some hope.
Who ever you are and where ever you fit in the general scheme of things there are, regardless of your circumstances, several strategies that will almost certainly be of benefit so I hope you find these helpful and I encourage you to do what you can to implement them in a way that’s appropriate and relevant to you. The reality is that this Christmas might not be ideal for all of you reading this but at the same time, there’s also no doubt that there are things you can do to get through this period with a minimum of distress and hopefully, even some joy!
So let’s look at what you can do:
First, practice appreciation and gratitude. That is, do what happy people do which is focus more on what you have and less on what you don’t have. This is especially useful and helpful in the case of relationships so if you have to spend time with people you’d rather not spend time with, contemplate their more positive qualities and try not to get too bogged-down in the bad; alternatively, if you can’t spend time with people you’d like to spend time with then practice positive reminiscing and meditate upon the good times you’ve had with them in the past.
Second, if you get upset that people don’t call you or that you’re not being invited to the right sort of events get on the front foot, as the cricketers say, and actively schedule enjoyable activities. Rather than being passive and sitting back waiting why don’t you do the phoning and inviting and the organising. Even if it’s just seeing a few friends for a quick coffee, there’s no doubt that social interaction is more often than not mood enhancing so start building that into your December.
Third, make sure you don’t make things harder for yourself by having unrealistic expectations; that is, take the pressure off yourself by acknowledging that ‘the day’ doesn’t necessarily have to be perfect. If appropriate for you, depending on what you’ve experienced over the last twelve months, accept that this year your celebrations just may not be as you’d like them to be – and that’s ok. We all have difficult times and we can only do our best; but hopefully, next year will be a better one.
Fourth, and in some ways extending my previous points, do whatever you can to spend time with people who are most important to you and who are most likely to boost your mood; it might be your children, your parents or other family members, it might be work colleagues or friends. Whom ever it is, make sure you work hard to spend time with those people who are energising and positive and what you’ll probably find is that their attitudes will partly rub-off on you.
Finally, do whatever you can to build and to develop your own hope and optimism (and if you can foster this in others then even better). Try to reassure yourself that next year will be much better and if you’ve not already done so, start making plans to ensure this “better future” becomes a reality and doesn’t end up being just a pipe dream. Focussing on the longer-term and keeping things in perspective is at the heart of resilience and is fundamentally important to being able to work through adversity and bounce back from challenges.
So there it is – five things you can do to have a very merry festive season. I wish you all the best.
For others, however, this time of year can actually be very difficult. For these people the festive season is a period that reinforces the extent to which they feel alone; for many of these people it simply serves as a reminder of loss (if, for example, someone they know has died or left them). For some people the festive season is just a frustrating interruption to their normal routine and so to all these people, I offer some hope.
Who ever you are and where ever you fit in the general scheme of things there are, regardless of your circumstances, several strategies that will almost certainly be of benefit so I hope you find these helpful and I encourage you to do what you can to implement them in a way that’s appropriate and relevant to you. The reality is that this Christmas might not be ideal for all of you reading this but at the same time, there’s also no doubt that there are things you can do to get through this period with a minimum of distress and hopefully, even some joy!
So let’s look at what you can do:
First, practice appreciation and gratitude. That is, do what happy people do which is focus more on what you have and less on what you don’t have. This is especially useful and helpful in the case of relationships so if you have to spend time with people you’d rather not spend time with, contemplate their more positive qualities and try not to get too bogged-down in the bad; alternatively, if you can’t spend time with people you’d like to spend time with then practice positive reminiscing and meditate upon the good times you’ve had with them in the past.
Second, if you get upset that people don’t call you or that you’re not being invited to the right sort of events get on the front foot, as the cricketers say, and actively schedule enjoyable activities. Rather than being passive and sitting back waiting why don’t you do the phoning and inviting and the organising. Even if it’s just seeing a few friends for a quick coffee, there’s no doubt that social interaction is more often than not mood enhancing so start building that into your December.
Third, make sure you don’t make things harder for yourself by having unrealistic expectations; that is, take the pressure off yourself by acknowledging that ‘the day’ doesn’t necessarily have to be perfect. If appropriate for you, depending on what you’ve experienced over the last twelve months, accept that this year your celebrations just may not be as you’d like them to be – and that’s ok. We all have difficult times and we can only do our best; but hopefully, next year will be a better one.
Fourth, and in some ways extending my previous points, do whatever you can to spend time with people who are most important to you and who are most likely to boost your mood; it might be your children, your parents or other family members, it might be work colleagues or friends. Whom ever it is, make sure you work hard to spend time with those people who are energising and positive and what you’ll probably find is that their attitudes will partly rub-off on you.
Finally, do whatever you can to build and to develop your own hope and optimism (and if you can foster this in others then even better). Try to reassure yourself that next year will be much better and if you’ve not already done so, start making plans to ensure this “better future” becomes a reality and doesn’t end up being just a pipe dream. Focussing on the longer-term and keeping things in perspective is at the heart of resilience and is fundamentally important to being able to work through adversity and bounce back from challenges.
So there it is – five things you can do to have a very merry festive season. I wish you all the best.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Internet safety
Most people reading this blog would in all likely never of heard of The University of Central Lancashire (or UCLan) is a university based in , UK. Before 1992, the University had been Preston Polytechnic since September 1, 1973, and then Lancashire Polytechnic in 1984.
UCLan run a unique course entitled 'Child Safety on the Internet'. The course organisers have recognised that the net and mobile phones are an essential part of our lives used routinely by most people in banking, shopping, working and communicating with friends and allowing them to initiate new relationships.
All the evidence points to the fact that generation next are enthusiastic users of the the new technology and enjoy substantial benefits both educational and creative. while not wishing to demonise the net, there are clearly potential risks to the well-being of children and young people, including cyberbullying or the creation of sexually explicit material. There is a need to develop effective education about the risks and opportunities associated with the use of the Internet and other ICTs.
Having enrolled in the course , I have already learnt about the range of emerging mobile and Internet technologies, their use by children and young people, and the associated risks, the most effective ways in which to encourage safe and responsible use of ICTs by children and young people, and enable you to develop the skills to effectively communicate with children and young people.
I strongly recommend the course, and more information can be gleaned from http://www.uclan.ac.uk/index.php
UCLan run a unique course entitled 'Child Safety on the Internet'. The course organisers have recognised that the net and mobile phones are an essential part of our lives used routinely by most people in banking, shopping, working and communicating with friends and allowing them to initiate new relationships.
All the evidence points to the fact that generation next are enthusiastic users of the the new technology and enjoy substantial benefits both educational and creative. while not wishing to demonise the net, there are clearly potential risks to the well-being of children and young people, including cyberbullying or the creation of sexually explicit material. There is a need to develop effective education about the risks and opportunities associated with the use of the Internet and other ICTs.
Having enrolled in the course , I have already learnt about the range of emerging mobile and Internet technologies, their use by children and young people, and the associated risks, the most effective ways in which to encourage safe and responsible use of ICTs by children and young people, and enable you to develop the skills to effectively communicate with children and young people.
I strongly recommend the course, and more information can be gleaned from http://www.uclan.ac.uk/index.php
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Senate inaction
Psychologists and public health advocates across Australia, are calling on the Senate to pass the proposed excise on ready-to-drink, premixed spirits products otherwise known as “the alcopops tax”.
International research demonstrates that taxing alcohol is an effective method of reducing the level of drinking and harms caused by misuse of alcohol. The alcopops tax change should be viewed as a first step in a broader review of the important role that taxation and pricing can play in reducing alcohol-related harm.
Scientific evidence suggests that increasing the tax on these products will reduce the amount consumed at high risk by the youngest drinkers, due to the higher price. We continue to call for more comprehensive alcohol sales data collection to enable more precise measurement of the impact of policy changes. The limited evidence that is available suggests, despite some comments from the drinks industry, that the increased excise on alcopops is already having a positive impact.
Displacement of consumption to other alcohol products is commonly cited as a reason against the alcopops tax. While there is undoubtedly some displacement, the overall effect of such taxes, as shown by the international research evidence, is to reduce consumption.
Alcohol sales data collected by AC Nielsen since the excise was introduced is consistent with international experience. Sales of alcopops have plummeted by 26% in the latest quarter to July, compared to 2007, while spirits have increased by 11% and beer by 1.5%. Compared to the same period last year, AC Nielsen states consumption has declined by 3 million standard drinks.*
Many alcopops were developed for the palates of teenage drinkers. Higher prices for alcopops will prevent some potential “early drinkers” from starting and they will be protected from the risk of irretrievable damage to the developing brain, the risk of injury and mental health problems.
No single measure will prevent all underage and risky drinking. The alcopops tax serves as a foundation for a range of evidence-based strategies to deter underage and other risky drinking. The alcopops tax initiative recognises alcohol misuse imposes economic and health costs on the whole community and the government has committed substantial proceeds from the tax to prevention and related programs. For these reasons we believe it is important and worthy of support for the longer term benefit of all Australians.
I am hoping that the Senate can put aside political differences and vote on the basis of sound research evidence, rather than liquor industry propaganda. The alcopops tax measure is one important step in what needs to be a comprehensive response to the burden of alcohol related harm.
International research demonstrates that taxing alcohol is an effective method of reducing the level of drinking and harms caused by misuse of alcohol. The alcopops tax change should be viewed as a first step in a broader review of the important role that taxation and pricing can play in reducing alcohol-related harm.
Scientific evidence suggests that increasing the tax on these products will reduce the amount consumed at high risk by the youngest drinkers, due to the higher price. We continue to call for more comprehensive alcohol sales data collection to enable more precise measurement of the impact of policy changes. The limited evidence that is available suggests, despite some comments from the drinks industry, that the increased excise on alcopops is already having a positive impact.
Displacement of consumption to other alcohol products is commonly cited as a reason against the alcopops tax. While there is undoubtedly some displacement, the overall effect of such taxes, as shown by the international research evidence, is to reduce consumption.
Alcohol sales data collected by AC Nielsen since the excise was introduced is consistent with international experience. Sales of alcopops have plummeted by 26% in the latest quarter to July, compared to 2007, while spirits have increased by 11% and beer by 1.5%. Compared to the same period last year, AC Nielsen states consumption has declined by 3 million standard drinks.*
Many alcopops were developed for the palates of teenage drinkers. Higher prices for alcopops will prevent some potential “early drinkers” from starting and they will be protected from the risk of irretrievable damage to the developing brain, the risk of injury and mental health problems.
No single measure will prevent all underage and risky drinking. The alcopops tax serves as a foundation for a range of evidence-based strategies to deter underage and other risky drinking. The alcopops tax initiative recognises alcohol misuse imposes economic and health costs on the whole community and the government has committed substantial proceeds from the tax to prevention and related programs. For these reasons we believe it is important and worthy of support for the longer term benefit of all Australians.
I am hoping that the Senate can put aside political differences and vote on the basis of sound research evidence, rather than liquor industry propaganda. The alcopops tax measure is one important step in what needs to be a comprehensive response to the burden of alcohol related harm.
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