Now, there’s a fresh push to curb unhealthy ads: Brands off our kids! is a campaign from the Food for Health Alliance.
This week, it sent Federal Health Minister Mark Butler a letter signed by more than 40 top Australian public health, consumer and community organisations, pleading with him to bring proper regulation to the sector.
Research suggests that kids see approximately 17 food promotions every hour they’re on the internet, an average of 168 per week.
Children between 5-8 are exposed to at least 827 unhealthy food ads on TV yearly.
The Aussie push has precedent: in the UK, the “AdEnough” campaign pushed for similar bans with a familiar face at its front, Jamie Oliver.
“If you’ve had enough of the bombardment and targeting of junk food to British kids, then you can get involved right now,” Oliver said.
That campaign worked, with the UK recently introducing a ban for junk food ads online and on TV before 9 pm – set to come into effect next year.
Food for Health wants Australia to go further, restricting tactics like the inclusion of cartoons, toys and prizes.
So, should the Australian government step up and act fast on fast food?
