Politicians Called To Protect Children's Health

Politicians are being called to protect child health with bold policies.

Two thirds of Britons support banning advertising of food high in fat, sugar and salt on TV before 9pm, according to a report commissioned by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH).

90% back cooking and nutrition lessons in schools and 82% back introducing compulsory personal, social and health education (PSHE) in primary and secondary schools

Children's doctors are calling on the next government to put child health high on the agenda as members of the public show overwhelming support for a series of policies which would improve children's health.

The poll, conducted by ComRes and commissioned by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, coincides with the College's Child Health Debate, being held in London tomorrow, Tuesday, featuring Health Minister Dr Dan Poulter MP, Minister of State for Care and Support Norman Lamb MP and Shadow Health Secretary Andy Burnham MP.

Dr Hilary Cass, President of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said: "We often see policies hitting the headlines that are targeted at the aging population – increased funding for dementia research and additional dementia training for NHS workers are among the pledges that have been made in recent weeks.

"But whilst caring for our ageing population is important, it shouldn't mean that children's health falls to the wayside. This poll shows that the voting public care as much about child health as they do care for the elderly.

"Many health issues experienced later in life can be triggered during childhood. We need to better support children from infant to child, through to teen and into adulthood – we'll only be able to do this by making small yet significant policy changes directly targeted to meet their needs."

(CD/JP)