• Nearly 10,000 children have already taken part from classes in kindergartens under the UOKiK’s “ABC of the Young Consumer” project. Lesson plans are one of the educational aids available free of charge at malykonsument.uokik.gov.pl.
• Online games designed for children are also prepared: “Store memo” and “Doing shopping” – by way of games they teach wise consumer choices, allow to practice memory and perceptiveness.
• Anyone can use the materials at home. We would like to remind you that kindergartens can also still apply to participate in the project.

We are all consumers - regardless of age. That is why it is worth preparing children to make informed and responsible choices - including shopping. Out of concern for the youngest, UOKiK has been undertaking various initiatives to support the education of children and their parents.

What rights does a young consumer have?

Before the age of 13, children can only make small purchases related to daily life on their own, such as paying for a notebook or a drink. They learn to manage their pocket money, save money and make responsible decisions. When they buy an expensive game, for example, parents have the right to cancel such a transaction. Teenagers between the age of 13 and 18 already have more independence under the law although they are still in a particularly vulnerable group of consumers. They can spend their pocket money, but parental approval is still required for expensive purchases like a laptop computer or bicycle.

UOKiK for kindergartners – we teach through play

Almost every day we buy products, use services and enter into contracts. Children are not yet independent consumers, but they do influence the decisions of their parents and caregivers. They learn by observation and this is how they gain their first experiences – including shopping. ABC of the Young Consumer, which has been operating since 2022, can help develop their interest in consumer topics. This is a project aimed at parents, caregivers and teachers of children aged 4-5. As part of it, we offer lesson plans and online games to get the little ones interested in issues such as:

• who is a consumer?
• where do we shop?
• what is a receipt and what is it used for?
• what is a complaint and when can we use it?
• how to shop smart?

Anyone can use the materials and tools available on malykonsument.uokik.gov.pl. The lesson plans cover two themes, “I am a small consumer” and “We make thoughtful purchases,” while online games, namely: “Store memo” and “Doing shopping,” allow to practice memory and perceptiveness. Through play, they teach the right attitudes. In the course of the game, a child learns what a stall is, why a receipt is important, why it is important to look at goods before buying. On the other hand, “Doing shopping” allows you to simulate the shopping process using a pre-prepared list. The games can also be used offline, that is, after printing and cutting the appropriate cards from the website. The “ABC of the Young Consumer” project allows to introduce children to the world of consumer choices in a friendly way - both on a daily basis at home and during trips or excursions. Along with commentary from adult caregivers, it creates a safe platform for learning proper behaviour.

– Supporting children and their parents in developing consumer competence is extremely important to us. Teaching the youngest about the rules of the market, safe shopping or customer rights is an investment in the future generation of conscious consumers. We are all the more pleased with the great interest in the “ABC of the Young Consumer” project among kindergartens. It is worthwhile for us as parents and caregivers to support them in building the right consumer attitudes that are so important in adult life - says President of UOKiK Tomasz Chróstny.

“ABC of the Young Consumer” in kindergartens

Lesson plans from malykonsument.uokik.gov.pl also work well for training courses for kindergarten staff which are conducted by the Foundation for the Development of Digital Education thanks to funding from UOKiK. Teachers then use these materials when conducting consumer-themed classes in their kindergartens. By the end of June 2023, the foundation had already trained 389 people, and 9930 children from 301 kindergartens had benefited from the classes. Some of the kindergartners took part in an art contest, with prizes including educational kits for coding and robotics classes. The next edition is coming this autumn.

How does the project work?

Each kindergarten, upon application, will receive all the necessary materials for the implementation of activities and participation in the contest. Teachers participate in a training course to prepare for classes and use the lesson plans on their own, incorporating them into their work plan with children. At the end of the project, kindergartners receive small gifts and diplomas, and teachers receive certificates.

Headmasters and teachers are invited to join the project. Just fill out the application form. Participation is determined by the order of applications. Qualified facilities will be contacted by the Foundation by e-mail. The project runs until the end of 2023 and will cover a total of 500 kindergartens.

What else for the youngest?

The “ABC of the Young Consumer” project is not the only UOKiK initiative aimed at children and their parents. We are constantly reminded of safety - the most important when playing. Out of concern for it, the Trade Inspection, upon a request by the President of UOKiK, has been regularly inspecting toys and other products for children. It is worthwhile to regularly read the audit results and advice on uokik.gov.pl. And whether a product is hazardous can be checked in the register of hazardous and non-compliant products and on the Safety Gate/RAPEX platform.

We invite everyone to use our materials. And on the occasion of their holiday, we wish kindergartners some carefree, safe fun - also during their first shopping decisions!