Who Controls Ads

Most advertising seen by children is governed by self regulation. There are some exceptions in relation to C and P programs on TV.

The Advertising Standards Bureau (ASB) oversees most advertisements viewed by our children.

The ASB is supposed to make sure all advertising, wherever it appears, meets the standards laid down in The Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) code of ethics.

• The only code which deals with any form of sexuality relating to advertising is section 2.3 'Advertisements shall treat sex, sexuality and nudity with sensibility to the relevant audience and, where appropriate, the relevant program time zone'
• The AANA Code of Advertising to children has no section which deals with the sexualisation of children
• The ASB self regulatory body purports to reflect community standards, yet it does not consult child development experts about the potential impact of advertisements on children - before they are released for public viewing.
• The ASB does not vet advertisements before they are released publicly.
• The ASB has been set up by the advertising industry to police itself.
• It is not run by the government and it has no legislative power.
• The ASB only acts after members of the public complain.
• Most people feel powerless as they have no idea how, or where to lodge a complaint.
• Even when complaints are made they are often dismissed - without a response based on objective opinion from health professionals in the field of child development.
• See below for examples of complaints from the community relating to section 2.3 which have been dismissed by the ASB.
• Lodge a complaint

With sexualized imagery on the increase, self regulation is failing our children, and the regulatory system and bodies need serious review.

Community Complaints Dismissed By The ASB