Institute for Culture and Society (ICS)

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The Albanese Government's plan to set a minimum age for social media has sparked a lively debate! Experts like Joanne Orlando weighed in. In her article, “Social media is like sex – young people need education, not unrealistic bans,” she argues that banning kids under 16 might do more harm than good, suggesting instead a focus on education, better tech design, and strong regulation to help families navigate the digital world safely. https://lnkd.in/gQ7tN5Ec Amanda Third was quoted in an article by Newsconcerns.com acknowledging that while a social media ban “is very seductive, especially for parents”, it is not the solution. https://lnkd.in/g6UN3SKm In her article for The Conversation, “Instead of banning kids from online spaces, here’s what we should offer them instead,” she warns that such bans could push kids into more dangerous online spaces and make them harder to help. Instead, she advocates for better tech design, stronger regulations, and enhanced education to create safer and more supportive digital environments for young people. https://lnkd.in/gt6_3ZKU Social media is not all doom and gloom! Tanya Notley was quoted in a recent news article by News.com.au highlighting social media's positive side and how it can “support (young people’s) civic engagement, help them to make and maintain friends, to pursue interests, connect with far flung family and more.” https://lnkd.in/gtQFTXnc #socialmediaban #socialmediapolicy #policydebate

This is a great chance to learn more about post-grad options!

Join us for an inspiring talk with Tim and Renée McLennan (former Mayor of Bassendean WA) as they share their groundbreaking electric vehicle journey across Australia! This remarkable couple will share their experiences embarking on a nine-month, fossil fuel-free adventure, towing a pop-up caravan with an electric 4WD. Their mission: to take the iconic Australian road trip in a fully electrified way, extending the sustainable lifestyle they've built at home onto the open road – proving that long-distance travel across Australia without burning a drop of fossil fuel is not only possible but practical, while creating lifelong memories and a learning experience with their young children along the way. While this seminar can be enjoyed for the trip photos alone, this is an educational and research journey contributing to our common renewable energy transition. When: 3-4pm, Thursday 19 September Where: 6 Hassall Street, Parramatta Engineering Innovation Hub or Zoom To Register: https://lnkd.in/gkA_xugA Renée McLennan Greg Morrison Nicky Morrison Maria Rashidi Pejman Sharafi Vanita Yadav Thomas Longden W. Kathy Tannous Sebastian Pfautsch GAICD Siobhain O'Leary Ehsan Noroozinejad Sammy Cheung

Amanda Third has addressed the Governments move to ban social media for young people

Come join us for the exciting launch of the anthology of essays, Design/Repair: Place, Practice & Community on September 19th! Edited and contributed to by Alison Gill, the book sheds light on repair as a disposition to material culture and a practice rooted in diverse sociocultural experiences. It provides an in-depth exploration of how repair manifests itself through the different lenses of governance, grassroots activism, transformative design and community-led initiatives. Each chapter unveils how local, place-based strategies can create meaningful social change, especially in today’s challenging environmental and social landscape. The event will take place from 2-3pm and will be held both online and in-person at Geoffrey Robertson Boardroom, Female Orphan School (Building EZ), Parramatta South Campus. Tickets are free but be sure to RSVP so you don't miss out. https://lnkd.in/gW7qFR-G  

Excellent radio program on the contest over media sport money and access, including an irascible academic pushing back on the blind self interest of some industry players. Institute for Culture and Society (ICS) The Australian Sociological Association Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia Australian Academy of the Humanities Hunter Fujak

We want to extend our congratulations to Brett Bennett on the publication of his co-authored book, ‘Saving the World: How Forests Inspired Global Efforts to Stop Climate Change’.  The book delves into the forgotten concept of climatic botany, highlighting forests' crucial role in rain creation and climate regulation. It traces how early awareness of deforestation’s impact on climate led to early conservation efforts and shows how modern scientists are rediscovering these principles. This book offers a historical perspective on the vital connection between forests and climate, underscoring the importance of preserving these ecosystems for the future. An essential read! https://lnkd.in/gdjv8Pea  

Have you thought about doing a PhD but you're worried about losing touch with your career and industry? Did you know you can do a PhD based on a real world problem in your industry of choice with your employer? Western has a new Industry PhD doctoral program where a research project is co-designed with the end-users of research. The program offers opportunities to doctoral candidates to apply their research skills to solve a real-world problem in collaboration with industry partners. Learn more about how the program works and the benefits for both the doctoral candidate and the industry sponsor: https://lnkd.in/dUR7a-aU

The Key Concepts lecture series is a vital part of our HDR training program, but also a fantastic resource for all researchers. We are lucky to have such pre-eminent scholars to feature in the series