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14/10/2008
Fewer Junk Food Ads On TV, 'But More In Print Media'
Fewer children are being exposed to junk food advertising on TV, while child-themed advertising spend has decreased by 41% since the beginning of 2003, a new report published by the Department of Health has revealed.
The decrease is the most notable in TV advertising which fell sharply in 2007, with a 46% drop compared with 2003.
In particular, there was less child-focussed advertising for confectionery, fast food restaurants, non-alcoholic drinks and cereals.
Child-themed advertising spend also fell overall (from £103m in 2003 to £61m in 2007) - despite an increase in the annual spend on food and drink ads.
However, this varied across all media: on TV - 46% decrease in 2007 compared to 2003; in the press - 42% increase (national and women's magazines) in 2007 compared to 2003;
The report, 'Changes in Food and Drink Advertising and Promotion to Children', shows the prevalence to children by the food and drink industry. It sets out details of an analysis carried out for the Department of Health on advertising across all media to children from January 2003 to December 2007.
The report will form a baseline against which future child-themed advertising can be measured.
Public Health Minister Dawn Primarolo said: "A third of children in the UK are either overweight or obese - so it's essential that we help our children make healthy choices in what they eat. The food and drink industry has a huge role to play in this.
"I am pleased that there are now fewer ads on TV that are tempting our children into bad eating habits - but we must keep our eye on other types of media. I hope that the industry will continue to play its part in reducing the exposure that children have to the promotion of food which is high in fat, salt or sugar."
This report is part of a raft of measures taken across Government to tackle the difficult subject of child obesity. The £372 million backed Government strategy 'Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives' published at the beginning of the year, made it clear that children's diets are proportionally worse than adults. The future of children's health is of particular concern.
(JM)
The decrease is the most notable in TV advertising which fell sharply in 2007, with a 46% drop compared with 2003.
In particular, there was less child-focussed advertising for confectionery, fast food restaurants, non-alcoholic drinks and cereals.
Child-themed advertising spend also fell overall (from £103m in 2003 to £61m in 2007) - despite an increase in the annual spend on food and drink ads.
However, this varied across all media: on TV - 46% decrease in 2007 compared to 2003; in the press - 42% increase (national and women's magazines) in 2007 compared to 2003;
The report, 'Changes in Food and Drink Advertising and Promotion to Children', shows the prevalence to children by the food and drink industry. It sets out details of an analysis carried out for the Department of Health on advertising across all media to children from January 2003 to December 2007.
The report will form a baseline against which future child-themed advertising can be measured.
Public Health Minister Dawn Primarolo said: "A third of children in the UK are either overweight or obese - so it's essential that we help our children make healthy choices in what they eat. The food and drink industry has a huge role to play in this.
"I am pleased that there are now fewer ads on TV that are tempting our children into bad eating habits - but we must keep our eye on other types of media. I hope that the industry will continue to play its part in reducing the exposure that children have to the promotion of food which is high in fat, salt or sugar."
This report is part of a raft of measures taken across Government to tackle the difficult subject of child obesity. The £372 million backed Government strategy 'Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives' published at the beginning of the year, made it clear that children's diets are proportionally worse than adults. The future of children's health is of particular concern.
(JM)
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Mars to pull adverts aimed at children
The company which manufactures popular chocolate bars such as Mars and Snickers has announced that it will stop using advertising campaigns which target children under 12. Masterfoods said that it would cease to advertise in magazines and during television shows which were aimed at the under-twelves by the end of this year.
Mars to pull adverts aimed at children
The company which manufactures popular chocolate bars such as Mars and Snickers has announced that it will stop using advertising campaigns which target children under 12. Masterfoods said that it would cease to advertise in magazines and during television shows which were aimed at the under-twelves by the end of this year.
17 November 2006
Crackdown on junk food advertising announced
The industry regulator has proposed a ban on the advertising of junk food during programmes aimed at children. Ofcom said that the restrictions would apply to all children's programmes and children's channels as well as adult shows, which also appeal to children.
Crackdown on junk food advertising announced
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28 March 2008
School's Out For Junk Food
The School Food Trust is to set in motion measures that will curb school children binging on junk food. Currently in some parts of England, pupils have a choice of more than 40 fast food shops, with many targeting children with special lunch menus.
School's Out For Junk Food
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25 April 2012
Report Criticises Supermarkets For Continuing To Display Sweets At The Checkout
The Children's Food Campaign (CFC) have accused supermarkets of undermining parents' efforts to feed children healthily by displaying junk food near checkout queues.
Report Criticises Supermarkets For Continuing To Display Sweets At The Checkout
The Children's Food Campaign (CFC) have accused supermarkets of undermining parents' efforts to feed children healthily by displaying junk food near checkout queues.
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