Is it appropriate for young children to see graphic anti-smoking posters? Woolworths customer’s complaint sparks online debate

A Woolworths customer has come under fire after she aired her concerns over her local store's placement of anti-smoking posters, which she claimed were not "child-appropriate".

Sharing her sentiments on Facebook, the Melbourne shopper raised concerns over the "graphic" advert found at the service desk of her local store, questioning whether the placement of the poster was ethical.



In her argument, the customer said that the supermarket counters are low, so displaying the anti-smoking poster — which featured a photo of a severed foot along with the warning "Smoking causes peripheral vascular disease” — there would mean that children could potentially see the adverts, insisting that the graphic posters may "scar" kids.

“It’s a great idea putting the anti-smoking ads at the child’s-eye view,” she wrote alongside a photo of the setup.

“A gangrenous foot, excellent, it may encourage them to seek out a career in medicine."

“Either that or scar them for life, one of the two.”

KcyAEv0QYmjf5SzCW5vksR16NU4HtrEvyeWhDqqHRX3yqcF53oNsU8MzNaXsWgf7fZaK5NltV9T5LfwrL7I_25iP-dZmMxpX4duZ9ZPDvDSLa3e2f7w49T8eUGikFTR49_4C8qoKxZ2wWwF-dQ

The poster featured a photo of a gangrenous foot, along with the words: "Smoking causes peripheral vascular disease”. Credit: Facebook.

Australia is known for its strict laws on tobacco advertising and display. In fact, many of the country's states and territories have their own restrictions and controls that go beyond what is prescribed in the Tobacco Advertising Prohibition Act of 1992.

For example, in some states, a health warning must be placed near a tobacco price list.

It should also be noted that there are strict policies on the placement of these price lists depending on the state and territory.

Under Victorian legislation, anti-smoking advertisements featuring a black and white health warning must be displayed either at the entrance of the retail store or near the tobacco display.



Keeping this in mind, Facebook users quickly called her out, with one commenter saying that the supermarket was only following protocol on tobacco display and suggesting that it's not dangerous for children to learn about the possible health risks of smoking.

The user explained: “Literally not their problem. It’s the tobacco licensing laws that these signs be placed next to the price board."

“Maybe use it as a way to educate your children.”

Pq9P5_aW-Lc9SF_MDLT683LzFMQK4HeJRr5YG7xJ1yAx7VnRIANhchmIS-oIFpXucj6NO3wipiChPTeE13O6zy5wTS1WEE3caH2Pvu5MdsMK9TwPBYJxvgjHXr76JoY47dqAqituq9-n7gr2QQ

Retailers have to follow strict guidelines on tobacco advertising and selling. Credit: Kotak General.

The shopper, however, defended her stance, saying that it was "extreme" for children to see this kind of graphic image.

“If you are correct about the placement, then perhaps the gangrene pic can be put directly above the price list on the countertop,” she argued.

“That way the tobacco purchaser could see it and the child couldn’t."

“And if you think the photo of a gangrenous foot would be educational for children, then with respect, you must have rocks in your head.”



Another user insisted that retailers have to follow strict guidelines on the adverts, saying that it was not the management's fault that the poster was placed on the counter desk.

The user wrote: “Once again. It’s tobacco rules. They HAVE to be in line with the price board."

“If you have an issue with it, you would wanna take it up with tobacco licensing Australia.”

Woolworths has yet to comment on the issue.

What are your thoughts on this? Do you think it's appropriate to place anti-smoking posters at the service desks or should the government review this policy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
 
  • Like
  • Wow
Reactions: Ezzy, Ricci and BJM
Sponsored
Not "child appropriate"?????
It certainly is child appropriate, The message is getting through slowly, and to have kids get the message at an early age is the best way to steer them away from smoking.
She says it might scar the child for life............ It is more likely to save the child's life.
No need for the mother to get upset about graphic signage, if she was smart she could take an opportunity to explain to the child the reason the sign is there, That is far more educational and beneficial to the child.
 
A Woolworths customer has come under fire after she aired her concerns over her local store's placement of anti-smoking posters, which she claimed were not "child-appropriate".

Sharing her sentiments on Facebook, the Melbourne shopper raised concerns over the "graphic" advert found at the service desk of her local store, questioning whether the placement of the poster was ethical.



In her argument, the customer said that the supermarket counters are low, so displaying the anti-smoking poster — which featured a photo of a severed foot along with the warning "Smoking causes peripheral vascular disease” — there would mean that children could potentially see the adverts, insisting that the graphic posters may "scar" kids.

“It’s a great idea putting the anti-smoking ads at the child’s-eye view,” she wrote alongside a photo of the setup.

“A gangrenous foot, excellent, it may encourage them to seek out a career in medicine."

“Either that or scar them for life, one of the two.”

KcyAEv0QYmjf5SzCW5vksR16NU4HtrEvyeWhDqqHRX3yqcF53oNsU8MzNaXsWgf7fZaK5NltV9T5LfwrL7I_25iP-dZmMxpX4duZ9ZPDvDSLa3e2f7w49T8eUGikFTR49_4C8qoKxZ2wWwF-dQ

The poster featured a photo of a gangrenous foot, along with the words: "Smoking causes peripheral vascular disease”. Credit: Facebook.

Australia is known for its strict laws on tobacco advertising and display. In fact, many of the country's states and territories have their own restrictions and controls that go beyond what is prescribed in the Tobacco Advertising Prohibition Act of 1992.

For example, in some states, a health warning must be placed near a tobacco price list.

It should also be noted that there are strict policies on the placement of these price lists depending on the state and territory.

Under Victorian legislation, anti-smoking advertisements featuring a black and white health warning must be displayed either at the entrance of the retail store or near the tobacco display.



Keeping this in mind, Facebook users quickly called her out, with one commenter saying that the supermarket was only following protocol on tobacco display and suggesting that it's not dangerous for children to learn about the possible health risks of smoking.

The user explained: “Literally not their problem. It’s the tobacco licensing laws that these signs be placed next to the price board."

“Maybe use it as a way to educate your children.”

Pq9P5_aW-Lc9SF_MDLT683LzFMQK4HeJRr5YG7xJ1yAx7VnRIANhchmIS-oIFpXucj6NO3wipiChPTeE13O6zy5wTS1WEE3caH2Pvu5MdsMK9TwPBYJxvgjHXr76JoY47dqAqituq9-n7gr2QQ

Retailers have to follow strict guidelines on tobacco advertising and selling. Credit: Kotak General.

The shopper, however, defended her stance, saying that it was "extreme" for children to see this kind of graphic image.

“If you are correct about the placement, then perhaps the gangrene pic can be put directly above the price list on the countertop,” she argued.

“That way the tobacco purchaser could see it and the child couldn’t."

“And if you think the photo of a gangrenous foot would be educational for children, then with respect, you must have rocks in your head.”



Another user insisted that retailers have to follow strict guidelines on the adverts, saying that it was not the management's fault that the poster was placed on the counter desk.

The user wrote: “Once again. It’s tobacco rules. They HAVE to be in line with the price board."

“If you have an issue with it, you would wanna take it up with tobacco licensing Australia.”

Woolworths has yet to comment on the issue.

What are your thoughts on this? Do you think it's appropriate to place anti-smoking posters at the service desks or should the government review this policy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
There some people who just can’t help themselves …”Sign scaring children for life“
..what a load of crap .
A wake up call is needed be it graphic or parental advice on the dangers of smoking
 
These posters are meant to shock and scare the bejesus out of you so it looks like they're doing their job. Secondly, they are not aimed at adults who are set in their ways but at youngsters to stop them from starting smoking. IF the kids even noticed the posters what a great opportunity to open an age appropriate discussion about the evils of smoking. I would respectively suggest that it was the woman that had her sensibilities knocked sideways and not the kids,:)
 
What kids see today SHOCK ME😲so NO, I don’t think it’s an issue. I think the way things are going with the youth, it is a good way to be graphic with any health issues that will make people take notice.
 
These days children are included in all things adult, like social media and video games and TV programs but a poster will scar them for life!!! Seriously, if explained to a child, they will accept that. And more often than not, they will probably have taken no notice of it. Perhaps OP is a smoker and doesnt want her children or her guilty conscience to judge.
 
Seriously !!! If a child sees it and it upsets them , then the mother needs to explain it to them. Vaping is a big problem in schools kids are doing it in both primary and high school. My kids are teachers in both primary and high school and my youngest is in year 12 and all have said vaping is a problem and is just as bad as smoking

Too graphic !!!! no it's reality I was only having a conversation about young drivers and how they should be shown the consequences of speeding or drink driving. With alot of young people they need a reality check and stop being wrapped in cotton wool. Hiding your kids from reality will end up a bigger problem
 
No wonder there's so many snowflakes around now, no one wants to face reality, if these pictures stop kids from smoking there should be more of them. Maybe the should also have pictures of what illicit drugs do to you also.
 
A Woolworths customer has come under fire after she aired her concerns over her local store's placement of anti-smoking posters, which she claimed were not "child-appropriate".

Sharing her sentiments on Facebook, the Melbourne shopper raised concerns over the "graphic" advert found at the service desk of her local store, questioning whether the placement of the poster was ethical.



In her argument, the customer said that the supermarket counters are low, so displaying the anti-smoking poster — which featured a photo of a severed foot along with the warning "Smoking causes peripheral vascular disease” — there would mean that children could potentially see the adverts, insisting that the graphic posters may "scar" kids.

“It’s a great idea putting the anti-smoking ads at the child’s-eye view,” she wrote alongside a photo of the setup.

“A gangrenous foot, excellent, it may encourage them to seek out a career in medicine."

“Either that or scar them for life, one of the two.”

KcyAEv0QYmjf5SzCW5vksR16NU4HtrEvyeWhDqqHRX3yqcF53oNsU8MzNaXsWgf7fZaK5NltV9T5LfwrL7I_25iP-dZmMxpX4duZ9ZPDvDSLa3e2f7w49T8eUGikFTR49_4C8qoKxZ2wWwF-dQ

The poster featured a photo of a gangrenous foot, along with the words: "Smoking causes peripheral vascular disease”. Credit: Facebook.

Australia is known for its strict laws on tobacco advertising and display. In fact, many of the country's states and territories have their own restrictions and controls that go beyond what is prescribed in the Tobacco Advertising Prohibition Act of 1992.

For example, in some states, a health warning must be placed near a tobacco price list.

It should also be noted that there are strict policies on the placement of these price lists depending on the state and territory.

Under Victorian legislation, anti-smoking advertisements featuring a black and white health warning must be displayed either at the entrance of the retail store or near the tobacco display.



Keeping this in mind, Facebook users quickly called her out, with one commenter saying that the supermarket was only following protocol on tobacco display and suggesting that it's not dangerous for children to learn about the possible health risks of smoking.

The user explained: “Literally not their problem. It’s the tobacco licensing laws that these signs be placed next to the price board."

“Maybe use it as a way to educate your children.”

Pq9P5_aW-Lc9SF_MDLT683LzFMQK4HeJRr5YG7xJ1yAx7VnRIANhchmIS-oIFpXucj6NO3wipiChPTeE13O6zy5wTS1WEE3caH2Pvu5MdsMK9TwPBYJxvgjHXr76JoY47dqAqituq9-n7gr2QQ

Retailers have to follow strict guidelines on tobacco advertising and selling. Credit: Kotak General.

The shopper, however, defended her stance, saying that it was "extreme" for children to see this kind of graphic image.

“If you are correct about the placement, then perhaps the gangrene pic can be put directly above the price list on the countertop,” she argued.

“That way the tobacco purchaser could see it and the child couldn’t."

“And if you think the photo of a gangrenous foot would be educational for children, then with respect, you must have rocks in your head.”



Another user insisted that retailers have to follow strict guidelines on the adverts, saying that it was not the management's fault that the poster was placed on the counter desk.

The user wrote: “Once again. It’s tobacco rules. They HAVE to be in line with the price board."

“If you have an issue with it, you would wanna take it up with tobacco licensing Australia.”

Woolworths has yet to comment on the issue.

What are your thoughts on this? Do you think it's appropriate to place anti-smoking posters at the service desks or should the government review this policy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Some people will complain about anything and it is a good thing to put in front of kids it may stop them from starting to smoke.
 
It amazes me how stupid some people are & look for something to complain about anything and everything & the blame the government when it does not make a law to apese their feeling of guilt for not explaining the problems of life to their children, to that mother ??? I say GET A LIFE !!!!!
 
A Woolworths customer has come under fire after she aired her concerns over her local store's placement of anti-smoking posters, which she claimed were not "child-appropriate".

Sharing her sentiments on Facebook, the Melbourne shopper raised concerns over the "graphic" advert found at the service desk of her local store, questioning whether the placement of the poster was ethical.



In her argument, the customer said that the supermarket counters are low, so displaying the anti-smoking poster — which featured a photo of a severed foot along with the warning "Smoking causes peripheral vascular disease” — there would mean that children could potentially see the adverts, insisting that the graphic posters may "scar" kids.

“It’s a great idea putting the anti-smoking ads at the child’s-eye view,” she wrote alongside a photo of the setup.

“A gangrenous foot, excellent, it may encourage them to seek out a career in medicine."

“Either that or scar them for life, one of the two.”

KcyAEv0QYmjf5SzCW5vksR16NU4HtrEvyeWhDqqHRX3yqcF53oNsU8MzNaXsWgf7fZaK5NltV9T5LfwrL7I_25iP-dZmMxpX4duZ9ZPDvDSLa3e2f7w49T8eUGikFTR49_4C8qoKxZ2wWwF-dQ

The poster featured a photo of a gangrenous foot, along with the words: "Smoking causes peripheral vascular disease”. Credit: Facebook.

Australia is known for its strict laws on tobacco advertising and display. In fact, many of the country's states and territories have their own restrictions and controls that go beyond what is prescribed in the Tobacco Advertising Prohibition Act of 1992.

For example, in some states, a health warning must be placed near a tobacco price list.

It should also be noted that there are strict policies on the placement of these price lists depending on the state and territory.

Under Victorian legislation, anti-smoking advertisements featuring a black and white health warning must be displayed either at the entrance of the retail store or near the tobacco display.



Keeping this in mind, Facebook users quickly called her out, with one commenter saying that the supermarket was only following protocol on tobacco display and suggesting that it's not dangerous for children to learn about the possible health risks of smoking.

The user explained: “Literally not their problem. It’s the tobacco licensing laws that these signs be placed next to the price board."

“Maybe use it as a way to educate your children.”

Pq9P5_aW-Lc9SF_MDLT683LzFMQK4HeJRr5YG7xJ1yAx7VnRIANhchmIS-oIFpXucj6NO3wipiChPTeE13O6zy5wTS1WEE3caH2Pvu5MdsMK9TwPBYJxvgjHXr76JoY47dqAqituq9-n7gr2QQ

Retailers have to follow strict guidelines on tobacco advertising and selling. Credit: Kotak General.

The shopper, however, defended her stance, saying that it was "extreme" for children to see this kind of graphic image.

“If you are correct about the placement, then perhaps the gangrene pic can be put directly above the price list on the countertop,” she argued.

“That way the tobacco purchaser could see it and the child couldn’t."

“And if you think the photo of a gangrenous foot would be educational for children, then with respect, you must have rocks in your head.”



Another user insisted that retailers have to follow strict guidelines on the adverts, saying that it was not the management's fault that the poster was placed on the counter desk.

The user wrote: “Once again. It’s tobacco rules. They HAVE to be in line with the price board."

“If you have an issue with it, you would wanna take it up with tobacco licensing Australia.”

Woolworths has yet to comment on the issue.

What are your thoughts on this? Do you think it's appropriate to place anti-smoking posters at the service desks or should the government review this policy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
People like this woman are allowed to breed? You can't shield your children from everything you think is inappropriate and I have never met a non smoker or a smoker who is put off by this advertising.
 

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else
  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×