A new study shows that children are watching a huge
number
of TV
ads for unhealthy food.
Washington, D.C. – Seems the real stars of TV commercials are Sour Patch Kids, Chips Ahoy, and Frosted Flakes. A new study shows that children are seeing too much junk – junk food, that is, on TV.
The Kaiser Family Foundation conducted a study on TV food advertisements aimed at children. The study found that children ages 8 to 12 saw the most junk food ads per day – usually about 21 ads. Teenagers saw about 17 each day, and children ages 2 to 7 watched about 12 junk food commercials per day.
While half of all ads in the study were for food, only four percent of the ads were for dairy products. Not even one food ad promoted fruits and vegetables.
“Kids are seeing an overwhelming number of ads for unhealthy food. The childhood obesity epidemic isn’t just a catch phrase. It’s a real public health crisis,” said Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa.
Some companies, such as McDonald’s and Pepsi, have promised to create healthy living ads in addition to their regular ads.
Check it out for yourself when you watch TV. When you see an ad for some type of junk food, rebel! Go to the fridge and eat something healthy instead!
