Kids on the coast

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A large survey of Australian children by pay TV company Cartoon Network revealed that television is still the dominant leisure activity for children aged between seven and 14 years, however the Internet and mobile phones are fast closing the gap. The survey also showed around half of children now have a television, mobile phone and radio in their own rooms. When it comes to usage, 96% children watch television every day while 62% use the internet. More than half have never sent a letter while 20% send a text message at least once a day. Turner International Vice-President Duncan Morris said girls are much greater consumers of magazines and radio while boys are keener on sport and twice as likely to play video games. And to think we were once happy just playing outside – how times have changed!

If you’re wondering why it’s getting harder to find a parking space, consider these 2006 census figures, which show rapid population growth on the Sunshine and Cooloola coasts of just over 36% over the past 10 years. This is compared to 20% in Queensland and 32% on the Gold Coast. The average age of coast residents is 41 years (five years older than the state average of 36 years). There are also slightly more women than men on the Sunshine Coast and about the same gender ratio on the Cooloola Coast. The average family income is the highest in the Maroochy Shire and the lowest in Cooloola. Rent on the Sunshine Coast is an average $235 per week compared to $160 on the Cooloola Coast.

From 1 July this year, mandatory safety requirements will apply to all new strollers and prams bought by Australian families. The ACCC says it will be compulsory to have a parking brake and a wrist tether for the person pushing the stroller, spurred on by several tragic incidents of babies rolling away from their carers and drowning when prams have rolled into water. While most prams and strollers on the Australian market voluntarily comply with safety standards, the new mandatory standard will improve safety levels for babies and young children. State governments will be responsible for introducing similar requirements for the second hand market. Choice Magazine applauded the new national standards. “This situation where anything really could come on the market has been going on for too long and putting too many children's lives at risk.”

A survey of more than 1000 Australian families found almost a quarter (22%) don't regularly eat together, sharing meals just four times a week or less. The survey, commissioned by food manufacturer Continental, also found teenagers were less likely to eat with their families. Families Australia boss Brian Babington said "in an increasingly busy world, it is a big ask for many families to find the time to get together a few nights a week, without the TV in the background, but the pay-offs for family wellbeing can be immense". Other experts cited longer working hours, an increase in dual-income families, the pressures and distractions of modern living, more active social lives and a decrease in home cooking as possible contributing factors.