Cyprus radio and television authority advises against child participation in mobile device advertisements

The Cyprus Radio and Digital Services Authority has issued a recommendation to avoid using children in advertisements for mobile phones, mobile service providers, and screen-based electronic devices. This decision follows a public complaint regarding a radio advertisement featuring children singing requests for such products. The Authority cites Paragraph 10(ist) of the Advertising, Teleshopping and Sponsorship Code under the 2000 Radio and Television Stations Regulations. Officials emphasize that children should not be used to argue for or present products they would not typically purchase themselves. Furthermore, children should not express opinions on items for which they lack the necessary technical knowledge. This guidance is linked to ongoing European Union discussions regarding the protection of minors in digital environments. Key topics of these discussions include potential age limits for social media access and general efforts to curb mobile device usage among children. The Authority has communicated this policy via a circular to all licensed radio stations and the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation.