To ban or not to ban junk food ads for children
KAMLOOPS — My youngest was about six when he asked what a happy meal is. Someone at school had mentioned it. I said it’s a healthy meal that you eat with the people you love. Cheeky, I know. Then I explained what people refer to when they talk about a ‘happy meal’. Fast food that comes loaded with sugar, salt, fat, and a plastic toy. The plot between the movie industry and fast food was also discussed. You watch, you buy, and you throw away. You become hooked. Repeat.
He tilted his head, as if to say that is silly. I shrugged; it is.
I do not agree with junk food or fast food being offered as treats, nor do I approve of the combined marketing plot. I have been told I deprive my children of a normal childhood. Hardly. There are plenty of delicious and healthy food places out there when one opts to eat out. It’s a sad truth that people in unhealthy food ads never look overweight or overall unhealthy. They beam instead. Life shows the opposite.
Earlier this year, a study by the Heart and Stroke Foundation delivered shocking stats. In one year, children between the ages of 2 and 11 are exposed to over 25 million food and beverages advertisements while accessing their favourite websites.