New report exposes how fossil fuel companies target our kids

A new Comms Declare report has identified more than 260 coal, oil and gas-backed programs targeting Australian children through schools, museums and junior sporting organisations, prompting calls for tighter regulation of the fossil fuel industry.

Coal, oil and gas companies have built a broad network of partnerships across Australian schools, museums and children’s sporting organisations, according to a new report by climate advocacy group Comms Declare that has prompted calls for greater regulation of industry involvement in childhood settings. The research identified hundreds of programs involving companies including Santos, Woodside Energy, BHP and others, ranging from sponsorships of junior sports clubs to classroom resources and educational initiatives.

The report showed that some mining-backed programs provided valuable support to regional communities, where schools and sporting groups often struggle for funding. But it argued that the scale of corporate involvement at a critical time when decisions are being made about fossil fuel expansion raised concerns about whether children were being exposed to industry messaging without adequate transparency or independent oversight. Researchers said young people may be less likely to recognise promotional material when it appears through trusted institutions such as teachers, museums or sporting coaches.

Among the programs examined were industry-supported science lessons, school partnerships and career initiatives designed to encourage interest in mining and energy careers. Supporters of the programs say they provide students with practical knowledge, connect young people with employment opportunities and align with curriculum requirements. Industry groups have argued that their involvement reflects a commitment to communities where resources companies operate.

Critics say fossil-fuel-influenced materials are likely to present an inaccurate or incomplete picture of climate change and the role of coal, oil and gas in driving emissions. The report highlighted concerns that some resources focus heavily on individual responsibility and technological solutions while giving less attention to the contribution of coal, oil and gas production to global warming.

The findings have intensified calls from some politicians and advocates for a parliamentary inquiry into corporate partnerships in schools and youth organisations. Supporters of greater regulation argue that companies with significant commercial interests should not be shaping children’s understanding of issues such as energy and climate without clear disclosure and independent review. The debate reflects a broader national argument over the role of fossil fuel companies in Australian society as the country navigates the transition to cleaner sources of energy.

Comms Declare runs a range of campaigns to raise awareness of the impact of fossil fuel companies in blocking effective climate change policy including joining the global effort to ban coal, oil and gas company ads. Through their efforts, the City of Vincent in WA recently became the third local government in the state to move toward restricting fossil fuel advertising on council-controlled infrastructure, joining more than 60 jurisdictions worldwide, 23 in Australia.

Find out more about Comms Declare's work and support the organisation via commsdeclare.org.

Download the full report here.

Watch a video about the new Comms Declare report.