Junk Food Ads Aimed At Kids Under Attack
Posted February 26, 2008 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Toucan Sam and Tony the Tiger may soon be a distant memory for cereal-loving kids. Cartoon characters and flashy graphics entice kids under 13 to consume more junk food, contends Toronto ‘s chief health officer, and he wants to end the sugar rush.
“Children are exposed to large amounts of marketing for low nutrition, high-calorie food,” claims Dr David McKeown. He presented a report on child obesity to other health workers on Tuesday. He contends that advertising leads to childhood obesity – a claim that the head of one agency, didn’t like.
“We believe that advertising bans are simplistic and miss the mark”, contends Bob Reume of the Association of Canadian Advertisers. When asked if he thought sugary cereals were healthy food choices, he responded, “I don’t think they’re unhealthy.”
The city disagreed, and has implemented a ban on all city-owned garbage cans, transit shelters, and TTC vehicles.
It’s estimated that by the age of 12, Canadian children have seen 50,000 ads. Last year, the British government banned ads for unhealthy foods during kids’ television programs.
For quick and healthy snacks for kids, click here.
For tips on how to avoid the junk food trap, click here.
To keep your kids away from salty and sugary treats, click here.
Test your knowledge of healthy food here.
