- The Internet is an effective way for advertisers to promote advertising to children and youth. Many products that children like are sold over the Internet.
Trade aimed at children is regulated - Trade aimed at children and teenagers is condemned and regulated more strictly than trade aimed at adults, because minors are more susceptible to advertising. The Federal Advertising Act contains a number of requirements for commerce targeting minors. Below are some of the items:
- Advertising in textbooks intended to educate minors is not allowed
- Discrediting parents and educators is not allowed
- Creating a distorted view of the availability of goods to minors is not allowed.
Possible actions:
- Use the Internet with your child and teach him/her how to identify advertising and its purpose.
- Report any inappropriate advertising to the Consumer Agency or service provider.
- Protect children from direct marketing
- Direct marketing via email or SMS is only allowed with the prior consent of the individual. For example, if a child provides personal information when participating in an online contest, he or she may inadvertently consent to direct marketing.
Paid services and online shopping by children - Any purchases made online or on a cell phone must be made by, or with the permission of, an adult.
Tips:
- Agree with your child on rules for online shopping.
- Work with the operator to set appropriate phone locks, SMS messages or spending limits on your child’s cell phone.
- Report any inappropriate Web sites to the K-Division of the BSTM of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in your area or to the service provider.
- Create a family email address for you and your children to use when purchasing items online.