CYP Now - Opinion: Debate - Do proposals on junk food advertising go farenough?

Long-awaited plans by advertising and broadcast regulator Ofcom propose the banning of junk food adverts during children's programmes. But campaigners say that a total ban on such adverts before the 9pm watershed is needed.

NO - RICHARD WATTS, campaign co-ordinator for the Children's Food Bill,Sustain

One in three children is now overweight or obese. Junk food is a keycause of obesity as well as many other health problems and TVadvertising is the main way it is sold to children. Tough regulationsare vital. However, Ofcom's proposals put industry costs beforechildren's health. For example, they will still allow junk food advertsduring Coronation Street, the TV programme children watch most often.Ending junk food adverts before 9pm would give real protection tochildren.

YES - IAN BLAIR, senior standards manager and consultation lead,Ofcom

While television advertising does have a modest, direct effect onchildren's food preferences, parents don't support a total ban. Whatthey want are targeted measures including nutritional information, rulesmaking advertisements less attractive to children and targetedrestrictions on the times these advertisements are shown. Ofcom'sresearch shows that many factors contribute to childhood obesity. Ourproposals will reduce the television advertising impact of foods high infat, salt and sugar on children.

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