Children and Media Australia

03/11/2026

Been wondering what's going on with the High Court challenge to the social media minimum age legislation? This episode of our President's podcast continues the coverage, this time looking at the government's arguments in favour of keeping it.

Also covered: Meta's settlement for $17bn in the US, for addictive design, and a movie of an Alison Lester book. (And who doesn't love Alison Lester?)

Cover: bottlebrush bush (say it three times quickly)

27/10/2026

Currently in cinemas, 'Wildwood' is a very dark fantasy film, using both stop motion animation and digital visual effects. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Colin Meloy and, due to the mature themes and violence, is best suited to audiences over the age of 14.
Follow this link for the full review and talking points for shared conversations: https://childrenandmedia.org.au/movie-reviews/movies/wildwood

26/10/2026

Children's fundamental need to explore the physical world. And to learn it can be surprising!

20/10/2026

Currently in cinemas, 'Sense and Sensibility' is a romantic drama based on the classic 1811 love story by Jane Austen. It features striking nature-based cinematography, period dialogue and contrasting English backdrops. The film is suitable for families but will likely lack interest for children under the age of 11 and will be best enjoyed by mature audiences and Jane Austen fans.
Follow this link for the full review and talking points for shared conversations: https://childrenandmedia.org.au/movie-reviews/movies/sense-and-sensibility

13/10/2026

Currently in cinemas, 'Tad and the Magic Lamp' is an animated, family adventure film that loosely blends time travel, ancient history and archaeology into a fast-paced cartoon. Originating from Spain, this is the fourth film in the highly successful 'Tadeo Jones' media franchise and is best suited to audiences over the age of 6.
Follow this link for the full review and talking points for shared conversations: https://childrenandmedia.org.au/movie-reviews/movies/tad-and-the-magic-lamp

13/10/2026

Currently in cinemas, 'Stitch' is an animated family film with elements similar to the classic Frankenstein, and is based on the popular children’s graphic novels by Guy Bass. The film features a few musical numbers, a slightly gothic element and a largely predictable plot, and is best suited to audiences over the age of 7.
Follow this link for the full review and talking points for shared conversations: https://childrenandmedia.org.au/movie-reviews/movies/stitch-head

05/10/2026

Only 3 days left to support CMA by purchasing tickets in the People First Community Lottery.

The bank has put up $300K worth of prizes (cars, cruises and such), and every dollar raised in our name goes to us.

So here is your chance to show us you appreciate our work, AND be in the running to win.

Link in comments

28/09/2026

You've probably heard about the High Court challenge to the social media legislation ... in this episode our President, Elizabeth Handsley, breaks down the arguments that the legislation is unconstitutional

In which we become a law podcast, sort of, but with good reason. And we break it up with a review of The Magic Faraway Tree

22/09/2026

Another movie in cinemas now, in time for the school holidays, 'Coyote vs. Acme' is a fast paced, family film that combines live-action adventure with the classic slapstick humour and animated style viewers would expect from the Looney Tunes franchise. The film is best suited to families with children over the age of eight.
Follow this link for the full review and talking points for shared conversations: https://childrenandmedia.org.au/movie-reviews/movies/coyote-vs.-acme

22/09/2026

In cinemas now, in time for the school holidays, 'Forgotten Island' is an imaginative, animated fantasy-adventure with emotional themes, suspenseful moments and some frightening creatures, making it more suitable for older children than very young viewers. It is best suited to children over the age of eleven.
Follow this link for the full review and talking points for shared conversations: https://childrenandmedia.org.au/movie-reviews/movies/forgotten-island