McDonald's has been a destination for family meals, moments of joy, and childhood memories. As parents, grandparents, and guardians, we want the best for our children and are ever vigilant of how powerful technological tools can shape their development.  By introducing QR codes on child-facing packaging, McDonald’s is moving in a direction that runs counter to growing scientific concerns about children’s screen exposure and the importance of real-world play, face-to-face interaction, and healthy brain development.

In 2013 McDonald's launched QR codes on their child facing packaging, along with words like "SCAN TO PLAY" as part of their McPlay mobile app. This directly encourages a child to either ask for a connected device like a smartphone or use their own to engage. 

Studies show that smartphones can negatively affect young minds. For instance, research from the Sapiens Lab in 2025 indicates that individuals who received smartphones each year before the age of 13 show higher levels of suicidal thoughts, aggression, and hallucinations, and reduced emotional resilience and self-image. These gadgets are intentionally designed to be addictive. International documents from litigations shows that apps and social media platforms exploit vulnerabilities in young people's psychological makeup, steering them away from healthier activities.

If McDonalds cares enough about children's health to place apples as a menu choice, then it needs to stop encouraging MORE screentime for children as well. 

Placing QR codes on their packaging directly targeted at children might seem innocuous, but it's yet another step in integrating digital interfaces into our children's lives prematurely. QR codes often lead to engaging digital content designed to captivate young minds, pulling them further into the digital realm and distancing them from real-life interactions.

We urge McDonald's to reconsider their packaging choices and prioritize the mental health of the youngest members of our society, with an emphasis on personal experiences, family bonding, and childhood wonder, devoid of technological intrusion. For them to do anything less is willfully negligent considering the vast amount of screentime studies and recommendations from paediatricians, child phycologists and other professionals. 

By signing this petition, you're advocating for healthier childhoods, and taking a stand against the encroachment of technology in areas of our lives meant for genuine joy and connection. Join us in protecting our children from the consequences of early digital exposure. Let's make a difference together. Please sign and share this petition to help create a healthier future for the next generation. Your signature matters in urging McDonald's to step up and lead by example.