In the wake of findings that food is the most-advertised product on television programming viewed by children, the Boston-based Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood (CCFC) recently issued a statement calling for "policies that will protect children from junk food marketers."
CCFC's Dr. Susan Linn made the statement in response to the Kaiser Family Foundation's report, "Food for Thought: Television Food Advertising to Children in the United States."
"This invaluable report clearly demonstrates the extent to which
children are targeted with
television commercials for unhealthy
food. And, unfortunately, TV ads on television are only the tip of the iceberg. Television programs and movies also market unhealthy food to children through extensive brand licensing, promotions at
fast food restaurants, and product placement," wrote Linn.
The Kaiser Family Foundation's study analyzed more than 8,000 advertisements using detailed data about the viewing habits of children in three age groups. Researchers found while children of all ages are bombarded with promotions for fast food, junk food and soda, 8- to 12-year-olds see the most food advertisements. This market, the "tweens," is especially important to advertisers because it encompasses the ages at which youngsters typically begin to make some of their own buying decisions.
According to Linn, "We know that
marketing is a factor in the
childhood obesity epidemic. It is unconscionable that 8-12-year-olds see, on average, more than 7,600 food commercials a year -- the vast majority for candy, snacks, cereals, and fast food. This report is the latest indication that, when it comes to children, the food and
advertising industries are incapable of policing themselves."
The Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood is a national coalition of
health care professionals, advocacy groups, educators, and parents. CCFC has been active in the fight against BusRadio -- a commercially sponsored
radio channel designed for a captive audience of children on school buses. Reflecting the marketing strategies of television advertising, BusRadio focuses on the "tween" market, promising advertisers "a unique and effective way to reach" children in this age group.
About the author: Mike Adams is an award-winning journalist and holistic nutritionist with a passion for teaching people how to improve their health He has authored more than 1,800 articles and dozens of reports, guides and interviews on natural health topics, reaching millions of readers with information that is saving lives and improving personal health around the world. Adams is an independent journalist with strong ethics who does not get paid to write articles about any product or company. In 2010, Adams co-founded NaturalNews.TV, a natural health video sharing site that has now grown in popularity. He also launched an online retailer of environmentally-friendly products (BetterLifeGoods.com) and uses a portion of its profits to help fund non-profit endeavors. He's also a veteran of the software technology industry, having founded a personalized mass email software product used to deliver email newsletters to subscribers. Adams is currently the executive director of the Consumer Wellness Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit, and regularly pursues cycling, nature photography, Capoeira and Pilates. Known as the 'Health Ranger,' Adams' personal health statistics and mission statements are located at www.HealthRanger.org
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Tuesday, May 08, 2007
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