Labor promise to banish junk food advertising to kids
Posted by kathryn in Kid's nutrition
Labor have announced wide ranging measures to curtail the advertising of unhealthy foods to children, if they win power. The policy details are still being finalised, however Nicola Roxon yesterday outlined the plan. Measures will include:
- stopping the advertising of junk food on free-to-air TV, during children’s prime viewing times
- preventing the use of cartoon and kids TV characters to promote food in supermarkets
- reviewing the guidelines for promotional campaigns and competitions in all forms of media, including pay TV, the internet and mobile phones
- inhibiting the use of toys as promotional tools
The Federal government has rejected all calls for banning advertising to kids, saying it is parents’ responsibility to regulate their children’s diet.
31 July, 2007
Comments
I don’t believe that the impact of Labor’s anti-advertising of “unhealthy” foods to children will make a huge impact. Strict laws will have some impact though, with advertising and promotion keeping “unhealthy” foods front of mind for youngsters (and adults alike). However, it is ultimately the responsibility of the adult/parent/guardian to regulate and review their children’s eating habits. It’s also the responsibility of companies to push the health eating agenda. Put Shrek on a celery packaging or something. Make the green link there. Put Bugs Bunny on a packet of carrots.
Thanks for your comment Paul. While I do support a ban on junk food advertising to kids, I don’t think it’s a magic bullet. It will help with the overweight and obesity problem, but it’s certainly not the only change needed.
I agree, parents do have the ultimate responsibilty for their children’s eating habits. However food companies do play on pester-power and this can get pretty wearing for parents. You simply don’t want every single trip to the supermarket to be a battle, with parents having to say “no” to everything.
With regards to companies pushing the healthy eating agenda – the only way that is going to happen, is if there’s a market for it. Corporations have a sole goal of making money, their obligation and responsibility is to their shareholders.
Shrek and Bugs Bunny on vegetables is something I dream of – that would be WONDERFUL. At the moment fruit and veg suppliers simply don’t have the money to pay the sponsorship rights.
There’s more on the economics of food manufacturing here.
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