Conservatives to ban peer-to-peer marketing targeting children

The Conservative Party will ban peer-to-peer marketing techniques targeted at children in a bid to end the “commercialisation of childhood”.

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The party confirmed plans to end the “excessive pressure” placed on children by brands in its general election manifesto unveiled today (13 April).

The party reaffirmed its vow to ban agencies found in “serious breach” of rules governing marketing to children from bidding for government contracts for three years. It also promised to tackle marketing on company websites aimed at children and “empower” head teachers and governors to ban advertising and vending machines in schools.

The Tories’ crackdown on marketing to children also restates the party’s commitment to develop an online system for parents to “take action” against “irresponsible marketing techniques”.  Yesterday (12 April) Labour pledged to ask Consumer Focus to develop a website for parents to complain about “sexualised” products aimed at children.

The manifesto also restates the Tories promise to ban off-licences and supermarkets from selling alcohol below cost price, a move that is likely to win favour with health charities and the on-trade amid concern that deep discounting has led to an increase in binge-drinking and hit pub sales.

Other measures include: Ensuring consumers have the “right to choose non-GM foods through clear labelling” and introducing “honesty in food labelling” to ensure that consumers “can be confident about where their food comes from”.

The Tories’ “invitation to join the government of Britain” also promises to hand people more power. Pledges include measures to allow people to setup their own schools, giving community groups the “right to buy” local pubs and post offices, and the ability to sack MPs.

In his foreword, Cameron says that “collective strength will overpower our problems”.

The Party has previously signalled its intention to include people in policy discussions through crowdsourcing initiatives that asked supporters to pick holes in Labour plans.