26/07/10
Watershed ban on junk food advertising would help tackle
childhood obesity
Children see 37 per cent less junk
food advertising on TV compared with five years ago,
according to an Ofcom report. But we say a complete
watershed ban is needed to deal effectively with
rising childhood
obesity.
Ofcom’s
review shows that advertising bans during
children’s programmes and on dedicated children’s channels are
working to prevent children being influenced by junk food
firms.
But it also shows that just over half of
children’s viewing time is during adult airtime and that the impact
of the ban on older children, aged 10 to 15, is much less.
Our chief executive, Peter Hollins, said:
“Banning junk food adverts during children’s programmes has clearly
had some positive effect. But the Government can -
and should - go further.
“The report showed the ban was less effective
for older children, who watch TV shows like The X Factor and
Britain’s Got Talent where restrictions don’t apply. Yet these
children are just starting to make their own choices about what
they eat and are beginning to buy their own snacks and meals.
“A complete ban on junk food advertising
before 9pm would better protect them from the influence of
slick advertising campaigns while they learn how
to choose between treats and foods that are good for them.”
More information
- Take action by
emailing the Culture Secretary saying more
needs to be done to protect children from junk food
advertising
