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This week the Government set out its plans to stop unhealthy food adverts online. There is a strong case for why taking these adverts out of the spotlight would protect children (and benefit adults too)... A thread...
Children are increasingly spending more and more time online (over 20 hrs a week for 11-15yr olds). 
Likewise online ad spend from food & drinks companies has increased by a huge 450% since 2010... 2/7
Likewise online ad spend from food & drinks companies has increased by a huge 450% since 2010... 2/7
This means children are being exposed to more and more unhealthy food adverts on their phones, laptops, tablets, PCs and gaming devices - overall they see 15 billion a year... And research is clear this influences their food preferences. 
3/7
3/7
The Gov have rightly highlighted the lack of independent, publicly available data on online audiences. This lack of transparency combined with the fact that kids use false ages on social media and frequently share devices, mean there are valid concerns about online ads.. 4/7
Removing junk food adverts online would lead to NHS costs savings of around £62m & social care savings of approx £49m. These are likely to be considerable underestimates as they don't include the benefits to adults' health too. It's not just kids that junk food ads influence! 5/7
The restriction would only apply to certain food categories - incl. sweets, biscuits, chocs, sugary drinks, pizzas, burgers etc. That is foods that contribute excess sugar & kcals to children's diets AND are HFSS. It would exclude staples e.g cheese, butter & olive oil... 6/ 7
This policy is ultimately designed to take the spotlight away from junk food and give healthier options the chance to shine. Imagine a world where the only ads our kids see are for healthier foods? 7/7
And yes that does include avocados!
And yes that does include avocados!
