Marketing to children and teens on Australian food company websites

Authors

Sandra C. Jones, University of WollongongFollow
Amanda Reid, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

24704

Publication Details

Jones, S. C. & Reid, A. (2008). Marketing to children and teens on Australian food company websites. In D. Spanjaard, S. Denize & N. Sharma (Eds.), Proceedings of the Australian and New Zealand Marketing Academy Conference (pp. 1-6). Sydney, Australia: Australian and New Zealand Marketing Academy.

Abstract

Given the role that food marketing plays in influencing dietary patterns in children, the aim of this research was to explore the internet-based marketing tactics employed by eight leading Australian food companies that produce and distribute foods that are predominantly consumed by children. We examined the marketing policies and child-targeted internet marketing practices of eight major Australian food companies. Seven of the eight food companies have websites or sections of sites that are devoted to children and/or teenagers; with downloadable materials and extensive direct marketing. Of most concern was the collection of detailed personal information from children and/or teenagers, which was evident on the websites of five of the seven food companies that have such sites.