Introduction
Children form a significant consumer group in their own right and, in addition, influence the purchasing choices of their families and friends. They represent a huge market offering significant financial returns to companies. Children are also the adults of the future so building a strong bond with a child could lead to significant customer lifetime value to a company. However there are inherent risks in marketing to children bound up in the fact that many feel that it is intrinsically unethical to market to children. As a result of this, companies that market to children and get it wrong face a moralistic and significantly stronger backlash. Applying a PESTLE analysis highlights the external factors companies that market to children face;

Political - Changes in government and legislation affect ways in which companies can approach marketing for children and young people. In December 2003, the British Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Tessa Jowell MP, asked the British Office of Communications (OFCOM) to consider proposals for strengthening the rules on television advertising of food aimed at children, with new restrictions put in place in 2007.
Economic - In the US, companies are estimated to spend $17billion a year marketing to children, (1) an increase from the $100 million spent in 1983. (2) A de facto recognition of the great economic value children represent.
Social – Marketing to children and young people has become a topic for debate. Societal attitudes regarding this are strong. Campaigns lobbying governments are high profile and regularly call for changes and greater regulation.
Technological – Changes in marketing methods through technological innovations are making access to children easier and without the same restrictions of more traditional methods.
Legal – For example, ttThe Broadcasting Authority of Ireland