Statement on Burger King's Internet Promotion 22 June 2000

Childnet International, the Internet children's welfare group, commenting on today's report in the Daily Telegraph which alleged that Burger King had promoted a software product that allowed children access to pornography, called on all companies involved in promoting Internet access for children to be more careful in the way they target children and use the term "Internet Safe". The organisation made the following statement:

Most parents trust burger restaurant chains and it is important that Burger King makes accurate claims about its Internet promotion and gives better advice first and foremost to parents about the product. This advice should include making sure that children's Internet access is supervised as well as advice about installing the filtering product simply, as well as examples of the positive ways that the Internet can be used with children. Promoting an Internet software (CD rom) to children is very different from giving away film merchandise, toys or competition prizes. Children need on-going guidance in using the Internet and for this to happen promotions aimed at children should be targeted at parents.
Whilst it is accepted that on the whole children are more confident at using computers than their parents, there are real dangers on the Internet which parents need to be aware of as they support their children. These can be grouped together as:

1) Content - accessing inappropriate material - e.g. pornography/ child pornography, racist and hate sites.

2) Contact - being contacted in Chat rooms/e-mail by strangers who may seek to 'lure' them and even harm them.

3) Commercialism - excessive marketing and targeting of children without parents' consent and abusing the privacy of children.

Many companies are beginning to respond to the growing concern parents' have about their children's access to the Internet. However there is a danger that the term "child safety" is simply used as a marketing phrase with very little actual advice on how to use the Internet safely with children. No technical solution is 100% guaranteed and a filter or "screen area" is no substitute for good parental involvement. A child can often bypass filters or access the Internet on other machines i.e. a friend's houses, clubs etc. What is needed are much better Net Literacy programmes which help children get the most out of the Internet and help parents understand the safety issues of being online (see Safety Tips over). If Burger King is concerned to help ensure that the Internet is a good place for children it should consider sponsoring Internet awareness and education campaigns. It could also help bridge the "Digital Divide" and help promote access to the Net by providing free safe Internet access with terminals in the children's party areas in their bigger premises.

Safety tips and Notes on Childnet - follows

Internet SAFETY TIPS FOR PARENTS TO USE WITH THEIR CHILDREN

One of the most important ways to keep children safe online is to ensure that they know simple rules or SAFETY TIPS . However it is important to think about how these are communicated to children. Depending on the age group it is generally better to put these messages across in a positive way that empowers children and helps them to take responsibility.

An informal style of communicating these tips which doesn't scare the children but encourages them to take responsibility includes:

* Always keep your personal details (name, address) private. It's like giving out the keys to your house !

* Your personal password is your own special identity, so keep it safe and don't share it - even with your best friend or someone who sounds official.

* Making new e-pals whilst on line is cool, but tell your parents about who you have met and introduce them to your new friends.

* If you want to meet someone you have met in cyberspace, ask your parents/carer's permission, and then only when they can be present.

* There's great stuff on the Net, but some bad stuff too! So always tell a parent or teacher if you come across anything which makes you feel uncomfortable.

* Chatcan be fun, but don't hang around in a Chat room if someone makes you feel uncomfortable or worried. Remember you're in charge out there!

Notes on Childnet.
Childnet seeks to take a balanced view and as well as developing projects which promote the positive benefits of Children being on line, (e.g. The Childnet Awards - see www.childnetawards.org) has also undertaken awareness and protection initiatives such as the European Commission funded research on how best to communicate messages about safety to children (see www.netaware.org).

Stephen Carrick-Davies, Childnet's Development manager says "Childnet's research has shown that parents are increasingly anxious about the way their children access the Internet and are crying out for clear advice about how to keep their children safe online. The Internet industry and those promoting the Internet must do more to ensure that parents and everyone working with kids, as well as the children themselves, understand how to enjoy safe surfing".

For further information about Childnet see www.childnet-int.org (News area) or contact Stephen Carrick-Davies at the Childnet office on +44 (0) 171 639 6967, e-mail Stephen@childnet-int.org or mobile 0771 245 1859

(Childnet International is a registered charity no 1053193)