Would it surprise you to learn children between ages 8 and 18 years old spend 44.5 hours each week in front of a TV, computer, or gaming screen? That figure comes from the American Psychological Association. Think about it – the only thing many kids do more than watch a screen is sleep!

Childhood obesity rates have almost tripled in the last quarter century and research suggests advertising could be a major contributor. The APA reports that exposure to television ads for unhealthy food and drink are a significant obesity risk factor. This is bad news because further studies have shown that as little as one viewing of an unhealthy food ad can be enough to sway food preferences, and almost three out of every four foods targeted to children are in an unhealthy category. In the U.S. The food and beverage industry is self-regulating when it comes to marketing, which may account for why so few public service announcements occur for healthy foods.

Advertising to children is widely regarded as ethically problematic. Young children cannot distinguish between ads and entertainment, and older kids may understand the selling intent but are still subject to the emotional and unconscious influences of advertising.

We need to help our children make better choices. The food and beverage industry is out to make money, not keep our kids safe and healthy. Parents need to be mindful of which companies are trying to hook their children.

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