2023-06-13 14:14:05
The presence of cartoon characters in food advertisements is pushing children toward unhealthy choices, according to new research.
OTTAWA, ON, June 13, 2023 /CNW/ – From SpongeBob SquarePants to Count Chocula, new research shows that both lovable cartoon characters and naughty ones lead children to choose low-nutrient foods.
In the first study of its kind in the country, researchers from the University of Ottawa wanted to know if cartoon characters used in food advertisements influence children’s food preferences, and if there is a difference depending on the type of character chosen.
“We know that children are particularly sensitive to the cute animals and superheroes that advertisers use to trick them into begging their parents to buy them certain food items,” says Monique Potvin Kent, associate professor at the University of Ottawa and author main of the study. “This study shows the impact of this marketing technique on children, and that’s not good news. »
The researchers presented food advertisements to 1,341 children aged 9 to 12 nationwide, then measured their intention to eat, buy, or beg their parents to buy the foods in question. They analyzed the impact on children of two types of cartoon characters used to promote food products: characters licensed from popular media (such as Disney princesses), and spokesperson characters created by food manufacturers. food and drinks (such as Lucky the Sprite from Lucky Charms cereal).
It turned out that the spokesperson characters have the greatest influence. However, the most startling finding is the hold all characters have on children, leading researchers to recommend that the government ban the use of all characters in food aimed at children. children. “There is a direct link between the presence of characters in food aimed at children and the appeal of low-nutrition foods that cause long-term health problems. It must be stopped to protect the health of children in this country,” said Ms. Potvin Kent.
This research, funded by Heart & Stroke, is particularly relevant at this time, as Health Canada announced on April 25 public consultations that will guide the development of regulations by winter 2024. These regulations will prevent children’s exposure to junk food and drink . Heart & Stroke welcomes these consultations and urges the government to announce new regulations as soon as possible.
“We are pleased to see that Health Canada is moving forward with this project. It is important to adopt strict and comprehensive regulations as soon as possible. Our kids deserve it,” says Doug Roth, CEO of Heart & Stroke.
Health Index publication: 2023-06-13 – Number of visits since publication: 15
To read on Health Index:
1686667526
#Heroic #Paw #Patrol #puppies #lovable #fun #Trix #bunny #inspire #kids #preference #lownutrient #foods
