Parents’ Perspectives on Australian Children’s Television in the Streaming Era

This report presents findings from research designed to better understand how Australian audiences discover, consume, and value local children’s content in the streaming era. The Australian Children’s Television Cultures research group gathered unique, robust data through an online nationwide survey that targeted parents and carers of children aged 14 years and under. The survey was titled, “What are Your Children Watching in 2021” and ran nationally for six weeks (23 August – 3 October, 2021). A dozen extended semi-structured interviews were also carried out with select survey participants. These interviews were analysed to gain more nuanced qualitative detail to complement the quantitative survey findings. This report covers a range of key considerations, from perceptions of what makes “good” Australian children’s television, to the use of media platforms, and the importance parents and carers place on diverse representation. The report’s findings are original and provide unique insights into parents’ perspectives on Australian children’s television in the streaming era.
This report was created by the Australian Children’s Television Cultures (ACTC) research group. ACTC is a research group based at Swinburne University of Technology in partnership with the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF). From 2021-2024, ACTC will investigate the role of Australian children’s TV and other screen entertainment in people’s lives, memories, families, and education. The findings and outcomes of this project will help to shape the future of children’s TV in Australia. https://www.actcresearch.com/