Marketing to children is not only a problem facing the United States. A recent article in the Daily record talks about junk food marketers targeting kids through the internet in the United Kingdom.
The majority of parents are not aware that their kids are being targeted while playing computer games on the web. Alot of homepages for junk foods and drinks are uploading fun games and contests for kids to participate in. These games are teaching kids unhealthy eating habits. The websites are also using bright colors, which children are drawn to.
One site in particular that can be found guilty of this type of marketing is McCdonalds. They have created a "kid zone" for children to come and play.
These unhealthy eating habbits that are being taught are only adding to Obesity problems. Obesity rates have trippled in the last 20 years and are still on a steady increase. These problems are expected to cost around 42 billion pounds for the United Kingdom in health care for obesity related diseases. This diseases include type 2 diabetes, strokes, high blood pressure, cancer, and heart disease.
Campaigners and parents are fighting for a change. A survey pulled 1000 parents and found that 82% of them feel that better regulations are needed. Richard Watt of CFC stated that "Properly enforced statutory rules are the only way to protect our children from junk food marketing." He plans to to introduce a Bill to Parliament on the issue.
Daily Record, January 21, 2008, Monday, NEWS; Pg. 10, 408 words, By Emily Cook
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