Now fast food outlets are sending direct mailers to kids under the age of 12 as part of online marketing campaigns to pre-teens that include special offers, free food vouchers and competitions. Outlet names like Hungry Jacks and Taco Bill Mexican Restaurants have come up in a submission to a Senate inquiry on privacy laws made by a coalition of some of the country’s peak health bodies.

The matter was raised by the Obesity Policy Coalition, which includes the World Health Organisation, Diabetes Australia, VicHealth and Cancer Council of Victoria. The coalition has called on the Federal Government to amend the Privacy Act to outlaw direct mail advertising to children. It is also protesting against online promotion of confectionery products such as Smarties - a Nestle product - which recently ran an online colouring competition for three to 10-year-olds.