In the US, schools have instituted healthier choices in cafeterias. Some have removed vending machines that contain high sugar sodas and candies or chips and other junk foods, imposing junk food bans with legislation begun in California. The statistics show that childhood obesity has more than doubled in our country for preschoolers and more than tripled for children aged 6 to 11.
The UK has similar bans in their schools, but limiting ads during children's programs is a step further than we've taken. It's reminiscent of the cigarette commercials that were removed from television. The ban took place on January 2, 1971. Why? To allow the cigarette companies one last time to advertise on New Year's Day.
What do you think? Is it appropriate to police junk food ads for a young audience? Or not? To see what's being done in the U.S., visit the FCC site for the Task Force for Media and Childhood Obesity. Back in June, food firms were urged to follow the socially responsible lead of Kellogg's company.
