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Think Before You Click: Competition Authority Teaches Kids to Outsmart Online Ads


The Hungarian Competition Authority (GVH) is intensifying its efforts to promote digital awareness through a new educational campaign that specifically targets schoolchildren and their parents. As part of its ongoing Digital Awareness Program, the GVH announced on Thursday that it will run a four-week social media campaign to spotlight the hidden risks of the digital world.

The authority reports that children are increasingly being targeted by advertisements in digital spaces, on television, and even during gameplay. These ads often rely on deceptive tactics designed to manipulate young viewers into making unnecessary purchases. The campaign aims to equip children with the tools to recognize manipulation techniques—such as urgency or peer pressure—used in advertising to influence consumer decisions.

Within the framework of the Digital Awareness Program, GVH experts are offering interactive lectures, including detailed discussions about misleading advertising. Participation in the program is free, and registration remains open. Supporting materials, including guides for students and resources for educators, are available on the GVH’s official website. In addition, a dedicated episode on the GVH Podcast channel offers an in-depth look at the program and its impact so far.

Recognizing the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) among younger generations, the GVH has also launched a national competition for students in grades 5 to 8. The contest invites children to express their thoughts, feelings, and visions about the future of AI through presentations, short videos, or posters.

The GVH emphasized its commitment to educating businesses as well, announcing a professional conference titled Digital Consumer Protection 2025, scheduled for September 25, 2025. The event will focus on AI, so-called “dark patterns” in digital design, and influencer marketing.

With these initiatives, the GVH continues to position itself at the forefront of consumer protection in the digital age—placing special emphasis on safeguarding children from manipulative marketing tactics.

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Via MTI; Featured image: Pixabay

The post Think Before You Click: Competition Authority Teaches Kids to Outsmart Online Ads appeared first on Hungary Today.



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