Bryant Hsiao recently commented on a post by Maddie Erjavec on advertising unhealthy foods to children. Maddie posed the question as to whether it is right for companies to advertise unhealthy foods to an audience who is not yet capable of making good judgements. Bryant said he believed it was not wrong because companies are not doing it with bad intentions, but only as a marketing strategy used to help the business succeed in accomplishing their main priority (ie profit). He further stated that children still have buyer power and that they have the ability to filter information and make good choices.
The incredible influence media can have on adults however, makes me believe children don’t really stand a chance. Insulin resistance doesn’t concern children when they see a magical rabbit showing the wonders of a colourful, sweet cereal. Maddie said among other countries, the Australian Food and Grocery Council “declared that they stopped using promotional characters that advertise unhealthy foods to children under 12”, and I believe Canada should do the same.
Having a little brother myself I see how much of an influence TV has on him everyday. Children aren’t just not smart enough not to know better however, advertising influences us all regardless of whether or not we would like to admit it.