New discussion: Overhaul of alcohol advertising regulations needed to keep up with social media
Australian researchers are calling on the Federal Government to overhaul alcohol advertising regulations as companies change the way they operate in marketing and target consumers through social media.
In a time where young people spend more time on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat, experts said the self-regulatory code by the alcohol industry was not enough to protect youth. Dr Nicholas Carah from the University of Queensland said that new technologies made advertising targeted at young people harder to scrutinise.
Alcohol advertising in Australia is effectively out of control.
“Not just on social media but in all forms of media. Young people especially are exposed to a barrage of advertising,” said  Professor Sandra Jones who is director at the Australian Catholic University Centre for Health and Social Research.
The topic will be discussed at the national drug and alcohol gathering, The Australian Winter School Conference, in Brisbane next week.
