Threads : Childhood, polls, opinions and research
New research has found that the presence of cartoon characters in food advertisements pushes children towards unhealthy choices
Ottawa, ONAnd June 13, 2023 /CNW/ — From SpongeBob SquarePants to CountChocula, new research shows that both cute and naughty cartoon characters lead kids to choose foods that are low in nutrition.
As part of the first study of its kind in the countryresearchers from the University ofOttawa He wanted to find out whether cartoon characters used in food advertisements influence children’s food preferences, and whether there is a difference depending on the type of character chosen.
We know that children are especially sensitive to the cute animals and superheroes that advertisers use to get them to beg their parents to buy them some food, says MoniquePotvinKent, associate professor at the University ofOttawa The lead author of the study. This study shows the impact of this marketing technique on children, and that’s not good news.
Researchers gave food advertisements to 1,341,912 children across the country, and then measured their intention to eat or buy the food or beg their parents to buy the foods in question. They analyzed the effect on children of two types of cartoon characters used to promote food products: characters licensed from popular media (eg Disney princesses), and spokespeople characters created by food, food and beverage manufacturers (eg Lucky Charms cereal leprechaun).
It turns out that spokesperson personalities have the most influence. However, the most startling finding was that all characters commented on children, leading researchers to recommend that the government ban the use of all characters in food advertisements aimed at children. In children, the attraction of junk foods causes long-term health problems. Ms Botvin-Kent says it must be stopped to protect the health of children in this country.
This research, funded by Heart & Stroke, is especially important at this time, as on April 25 Health Canada announced a public consultation that will guide the development of regulations by the winter of 2024. These regulations will prevent children from being exposed to advertising for foods and beverages with low nutritional value. Heart + Stroke welcomes this consultation and urges the Government to announce the new regulations as soon as possible.
We are excited to see that SantCanada is moving forward with this project. It is important to adopt strict and comprehensive regulations as soon as possible. Our kids deserve it, says Dogroth, CEO of Heart & Stroke.
About heart and stroke
life. Don’t pass. That’s why Heart + Stroke has been leading the fight against heart disease and stroke for 70 years. We need to drive future medical discoveries so that people across the country don’t miss out on precious moments. Together, we work to prevent disease, save lives, and promote recovery through research, health promotion, and public policy. HeartandStroke. caHeartandStroke
SOURCE Heart and Stroke Foundation
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