Firms run into parent power

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Parents are ready to 'punish' companies they feel are marketing to their children in an irresponsible way, according to research by Business in the Community.

Bitc says a survey of 1000 UK consumers showed that almost three in four parents with 6-10 year olds are concerned about marketing aimed at children, with around three in five believing that any marketing to children is 'inappropriate and unethical'.

More than three-quarters of those voicing concern also said they would feel less favourably towards a brand or product that was not marketed appropriately. Four out of five would be less likely to continue using it. They were particularly hostile to direct targeting of children through text messaging, website pop-up ads and other media.

The research is one of the first outcomes of Bitc's Marketplace Taskforce set up earlier this year to develop good practice principles for responsible marketing (EP6, issue 10, p1) . The taskforce is chaired by Mike Clasper, BAA chief executive.