ASA to Review Codes on Advertising to Children

ASA to Review Codes on Advertising to Children

19 October 2015

“The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has confirmed a review of the Code for Advertising to Children and the Children’s Code for Advertising Food. The last review was completed in 2010” said ASA Chief Executive Hilary Souter today.

The ASA has a process to review its codes on a regular basis. This shows its commitment to ensuring all codes are up-to-date and reflect generally prevailing community standards. In this case the ASA is responding to calls for the review of the Children’s codes to be expedited.

“The codes provide clear guidance to advertising agencies, marketers and consumers on advertising to children, including food advertising, said Ms Souter.

The ASA deals with hundreds of complaints a year about advertising across all product categories. Since the introduction of the Children’s Code for Advertising Food in 2010, nine complaints have been dealt with under this Code.

A panel with an independent Chair and representation from the Ministry of Health, the Complaints Board and industry will review the codes and consider any amendments.

The review process will begin with a call for public submissions, likely to be made before Christmas with a closing date of late February.

The ASA offers consumers a quick, easy and free way to address complaints about advertising. The current codes and information about the ASA and the complaints process can be found at www.asa.co.nz.

ENDS

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