Children’s television content (programming and advertising) on commercial free-to-air television is regulated by the ACMA’s Children’s Television Standards (the CTS) and the Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice. Children’s programs broadcast by national broadcasters (the ABC and SBS) and on dedicated children’s channels on subscription television (such as Foxtel) are covered by their own codes of practice.
In 2014, the ACMA conducted research to help measure the ongoing importance of children’s programs on television, including Children’s (C) and Preschool (P) programs provided by commercial broadcasters.
This research comprises two studies into children’s viewing of broadcast television:
- a community survey of parents and carers
- an analysis of children’s television audiences and program ratings between 2001 and 2013.
The first study, Attachment A: Children’s television viewing—Community research 2014, is a survey of 954 parents and carers of children under 15, commissioned by the ACMA from Newspoll. This study offers a contemporary view of parental attitudes to children’s viewing patterns and behaviours.
The second study, Attachment B: Children’s television viewing—Analysis of audience data 2001–13, draws on audience data provided by the industry ratings agency, OzTAM. By comparing audience data over 13 years, this study identifies the longer term changes that have occurred in children’s viewing patterns.
Children’s television viewing—Research overview provides the key findings for both studies.
Release date
March 2015
