Researchers and health experts have carried out the first comprehensive analysis concerning food marketing addressed to children for products that are high in salt, calories or sugar. The World Health Organization, who conducted the research, published a new report from the WHO Regional Office for Europe.
The report consists of an analysis of the food marketing that children are exposed to, from a trans-disciplinary theoretical perspective to actual measures and policies that should be designed in order to prevent this phenomenon from spreading across the European continent.
The situation is even more sensitive, as there is the possibility that many parents don't even understand the implications of online exposure in this direction, which can contribute to an even higher effect on children. Digital marketing has become the go-to strategy, as many of the online ads attract people on shelf.
"It is the responsibility of policy-makers to recognize the new threat presented by digital marketing of food to children and to act swiftly," noted Dr. Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe.
Help Your Children Develop A Healthy Dietary Habit
Although the influence of invasive digital marketing can contribute to your child's unhealthy habits, one way to effectively fight against their effects is to establish breakfast as a very important meal. As most of the children will spend the first part of their day in school, it's essential that they won't feel hungry, as they will be less tempted to purchase different items they saw advertised online.
Aside from feeding your children a breakfast with all the necessary nutrients that would help them feel full through the day, you should also diversify the fruits they're taking to school. A different fruit every day can be highly efficient for two main reasons: First, it will be richer in nutrients, and it will cover a larger spectrum of the body's necessary supplements. Second, it will not bore your child. Children often get bored of anything that is repetitive, so diversifying the sources of fructose makes for a very effective means of combatting temptation.
As children are very receptive to marketing efforts, a study suggested that a very effective means of persuading children into being less picky when it comes to vegetables is a proper marketing plan. It doesn't have to be anything out of the ordinary, and you can do this yourself — make yourself a storyteller and create interesting reasons for which your child should consider eating healthy food instead of artificially produced alternatives.
Consequently, since obesity is caused by overeating, you should be careful not to overfeed your children. Adult portions are not a good strategy. While the children's metabolisms are usually very quick, it's possible for them to get "stuck," so avoiding extremes is the best strategy at hand.
