Latest News > Media Release
15 October 2009
AANA GUIDE TO MANAGING IMAGES OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
In response to the increasing risk of inappropriate use of images of children and young people, the Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) has today published practical guidance for advertisers and marketers: Practice Guide - Managing Images of Children and Young People.
Through this initiative, AANA, with support from members and the broader advertising and digital community, is responding to wide-spread concerns about the risks posed directly and indirectly to children and young people through the use of their images on the internet and other media. This Guide addresses the management of the creation, use and circulation of images of children and younger people used in advertising and marketing communications by advertisers. It is designed to complement the AANA Code for Advertising & Marketing Communications to Children, which addresses matters relating to the content of advertising and marketing communications.
“ AANA believes that industry practice founded on the principles of consent, appropriate circumstances, appropriate portrayal, limited identifying and personal information, and reduced ability for inappropriate use or adaptation of images are vital to contributing to a more secure environment for children and young people . “ said Scott McClellan, Chief Executive Officer.
“The AANA Practice Guide provides marketers with a reference for effective management and administrative practice that is consistent with these principles and which is considered by industry to be applicable in a wide range of situations, especially in digital media.”
AANA acknowledges that in spite of the best intentions by advertisers and marketers, children and young people may be exploited or become the victims of abuse. AANA encourages advertisers and marketers to be aware of the potential risks and take appropriate steps to address them.
AANA is confident that the adoption of industry practices in accordance with the Practice Guide will help protect rights to privacy and protection from exploitation or abuse and reduce the opportunity for improper actions of others.
“Through industry initiatives such as this and our codes of practice AANA supports younger peoples’ rights to freedom of expression and participation in the context of a safe media environment.”
For further information:
Scott McClellan, Chief Executive Officer, AANA (02) 9221 8088