FCC Seeks More Data on Many Subjects in Kids Media Inquiry
The FCC sought information on an array of subjects about children’s use of online and older media. In a notice of inquiry released Friday, questions about online video, the extent to which kids have access to new media, the risks and benefits of all kinds of media, and parents’ awareness of filtering options sought responses concerning which studies are reliable. As expected (CD Oct 1 p6), many of the questions were set up in a summer report to Congress about parental controls.
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The notice asked which “classes of children” lack access to “new digital media platforms.” It went on: “Does access depend on the educational level of a child’s parents? What studies have been done on these issues? What can government or industry do” to help. “Children with digital media skills are also likely to be better positioned to compete in today’s workplace,” the notice said. There’s “evidence” that media can improve health by showing youth how to deal with diseases and help those with disabilities, it said. “What efforts can be taken to ensure that all children receive the benefits of electronic media?”
The FCC invited comment from those who think there’s not enough educational media for kids “on what steps the government or industry could take to promote the development and availability of this content.” It cited the Children’s Television Act. Chairman Julius Genachowski has said the commission may need to update its practices to reflect the law. “The CTA is an example of governmental action to ensure that one type of medium -- television -- limits the amount of advertising viewed by children” over broadcast and subscription TV, the notice said.
“New digital media also make possible new forms of advertising that warrant scrutiny into how they impact children,” the notice said. It asked how children are “exposed to excessive and exploitative advertisements” through media besides TV. “The role of advertising in the spread of childhood obesity also warrants further study,” the notice said. “We invite comment also on the extent to which parents are concerned about exposure of children to inappropriate content within advertisements on various media, such as offensive language, sexual content, and violence.”