Junk food marketing skews children’s choice

Children’s food choices are being “heavily skewed” by the dominance of junk food marketing, a report has found.
Junk food marketing 'heavily skewing' children's food choices. Picture: Colin HattersleyJunk food marketing 'heavily skewing' children's food choices. Picture: Colin Hattersley
Junk food marketing 'heavily skewing' children's food choices. Picture: Colin Hattersley

Researchers at Stirling University discovered that three quarters of the marketing seen by 11 to 18-year-olds in Scotland was for unhealthy snacks and drinks, while healthier products made up just 10 per cent.

Confectionary and sugary drinks accounted for 84 per cent of products picked up at the till area, the Scottish Government-commissioned report found.

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Georgina Cairns, senior researcher in dietary public health, said: “Retailer and marketer’s food and drink promotional investments are clearly heavily skewed towards these products.

“As a consequence, our young people are not getting the cues they need to encourage them to make healthier choices.”