Marketing to children and teens on Australian food company websites

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.