Ads influencing children to consume junk food: study

Jaipur: Even as majority of children get influenced by advertisements and consume junk food, parents, who succumb to their demands, are also responsible for inculcating unhealthy food habits, according to a recent study.

The study ‘Junk Food Trap´, which was carried out by the Centre for Consumer Action Research & Training (CUTSCART), a Jaipur based consumer advocacy group, found that 85% children are influenced by advertisements.

While around 35% parents blame it on advertisements for the increasing demand of junk food among children, the study said both school administration and parents are equally responsible for the trend.

“Around 63% of the schools have canteens, which sell junk food without any restriction and 86% parents prefer packed food items as gift on festivals and other occasions,” it said.

The survey, conducted in 30 government and private schools across the city, is part of a global strategy by CUTSCART to advocate against the marketing of unhealthy foods on the eve of the World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) on 15 March.