Recent
Report of an independent assessment
Two years ago, in the Children's Plan, the DCSF committed itself to commission an independent assessment of the impact of the commercial world on children's wellbeing. That assessment, led by Professor David Buckingham, is now complete. As part of the process SIRC was commissioned to undertake two major reviews: Children and Family Life: Socio-Demographic Changes and The Ecology of Family Life. more
Psychological impact & the lessons of recession
There can be very few people in Britain who are unaware that we have been living in times of recession…It is clear that people — even those unaffected directly — are worried, especially about their future financial security. But are there some positive lessons to be learnt? more
The role and citizen impact of Public Service Broadcasting
As a complement to the extensive work contributed by other players on the rapid advances in technology and consumer behaviour, the work is designed to review and present the available data on broader social trends which may impact on PSB in the future…more
Passion, emotion and the 'beautiful game'
The Football Passions report summarises extensive sociological research across 18 countries in Europe. The objectives of the study were to capture the emotions of being a football fan and to compare the feelings, expressions and behaviour of fans associated with support of their football teams…more.
Naming & Praising update
The latest SIRC Naming and Praising awards – for responsible reporting of health issues – go to Nigel Hawkes at the Times , for his report on a study of smoking and mental decline, and to BBC News Online for their item on Crohn's Disease and vitamin D deficiency.
In both cases, the journalists draw attention to the limitations of the studies in the first few lines of their reports – a policy recommended by the SIRC/ Royal Institution Code of Practice. Nigel Hawkes points out in the second sentence of his article that the study showing faster mental decline in elderly smokers lasted only a year, and conflicts with previous evidence. The BBC report states, again in the second sentence, that it is still not clear whether vitamin D deficiency could be a cause or simply an effect of Crohn's Disease.
It is important to note that in neither of these cases do the disclaimers and caveats make the story less interesting to read; nor is the reader inclined to question the journalists' decision to report on such inconclusive findings. The Times and BBC reports provide accurate information on scientific 'work in progress', without resorting to sensationalism, scaremongering or patronising. These are textbook examples of responsible health reporting, which deserve to be highlighted and encouraged.
April 2000
