A TV ad from fast food chain McDonald's has been removed for targeting children.
The 15-second television advertisement features four teenagers sitting on a bed eating McDonald's McFlurrys while looking at their phones.
A voice-over says 'Macca's new Cadbury cherry ripe McFlurry. Available in vanilla and chocolate. Best served with a side of goss!'
The advertisement concludes with text that says 'the time to spill the tea Macca’s run'.
The complaint submitted to Ad Standards raised concerns of promoting online bullying or harassment.
"It's poor judgement to endorse and encourage a favourable experience of shared eating with friends beside sharing gossiping behaviours, linked to an online device, that many would consider can cause harm to others," the complaint stated.
"To use the the issue of gossiping in such a 'positive' manner fills me with disbelief and anger."
In response McDonalds refuted that the ad breached codes.
"McDonald’s is a family brand and does not encourage nor condone bullying behaviour of any kind," the brand stated.
The Ad Standards panel agreed and dismissed the bullying claims.
But the Ad Standards panel found the ad to breach a difference code - the AANA Food and Beverages Code 3.1 Must not target children.
The panel found the product was significantly appealing to children with the depiction of teenagers and use of language in the ad to attract the attention of children under 15.
As a result, the ad is no longer being broadcast.
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