We're hoping to change the face of advertising.
Over 30 individuals and organisations have made submissions to request a change to the Advertising Industry's Code of Ethics to include reference to the representation of sun tanning and recognise its danger.
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Advertising influences sun exposure intentions & behaviours.
Maybe like me, you've seen ads with images like the ones above and cringed, asking why we haven't stopped glamourising tanning when we know how dangerous it can be. When I wrote my book I researched this, and not surprisingly found a vast number of published scientific papers that reinforced how much advertising (and the media in general) can influence sun tanning behaviours.
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Advertising self-regulation.
Advertising content in Australia is self-regulated. The Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) recently called for community submissions while undertaking a review of the Code of Ethics (COE) - the rules that all advertisers must follow.
The existing COE and the accompanying Practice Notes are silent on sun safety, therefore there is no guidance to advertisers on what is and isn't safe when it comes to sun exposure.
The AANA Public Review Consultation Discussion Paper is here
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Our chance to make a difference.
This was a great opportunity to have our voices heard - both experts and the community - on the issue of sun safety in advertising.
Along with representatives from: Cancer Institute NSW; QLD Health; Skin Cancer Prevention QLD & Skin Cancer College Australasia I met with AANA to discuss the issue and we collectively developed a templated submission. Each organisation submitted one on their own behalf and encouraged others in their networks to do the same.
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THIS IS JUST THE START.
The next step is for the AANA to review the submissions and determine how, if at all they will incorporate any changes. No timeline on this process has been provided.
In the meantime, if you see advertising which concerns you, make a complaint at the link below - it only takes 5 minutes.