Self-regulation is not enough in children's TV advertising: study
Children still see the same amount of television advertising for unhealthy foods as they did before industry self-regulation was introduced last year, according to new University of Sydney research published in the International Journal of Pediatric Obesity.
Lesley King, paper lead author and adjunct senior lecturer for the University's Prevention Research Collaboration, said of the 41 companies advertising foods in May 2009, only 14 of them were signed up to the industry code.
While companies who signed up to the industry's voluntary code of conduct had reduced their volume of unhealthy food advertising, the volume of advertisements for unhealthy foods from other food companies, who have not signed up to the code of conduct, had not.
Altogether, the study found that the average number of unhealthy food advertisements per hour is the same as it was in 2007.
"So, after 12 months there has only been limited uptake of the voluntary industry code," Ms King said.
"Also, for the changes observed in 2009 to be sustained, the code would need to be stronger.
"Reducing the advertising of unhealthy foods to children is an important part of the ongoing efforts to reduce childhood obesity.
"So far, there have been no benefits for children."
Provided by University of Sydney