Space-time analysis of unhealthy food advertising: New Zealand children’s exposure and health policy options

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 812-820
Author(s):  
Wei Liu ◽  
Michelle Barr ◽  
Amber L Pearson ◽  
Tim Chambers ◽  
Karin A Pfeiffer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Public Spaces ◽  
Space Time ◽  
Food Advertising ◽  
Unhealthy Food ◽  
Residential Areas ◽  
Density Mapping ◽  
Outdoor Spaces ◽  
Wearable Cameras ◽  
Children’S Exposure

Abstract Reducing children’s exposure to unhealthy food advertising is an accepted strategy to end childhood obesity. This study aimed to (i) measure children’s space-time exposures to unhealthy food advertising in public outdoor spaces, using GPS and wearable cameras; and (ii) test effectiveness of banning options. We compiled data (collected July 2014—June 2015) on 138 12-year-old children in Wellington, New Zealand, using wearable cameras and GPS devices worn over 4 days. In 2017–18, we linked 59 150 images taken in public outdoor spaces to GPS data. Of these, 1631 contained unhealthy food advertising exposures, defined as ≥50% of an advertisement observed in each image. We examined spatial patterns using kernel density mapping and graphed space-time trends. We interpolated a kriged exposure rate across Wellington to estimate exposure reductions for potential bans. Children were exposed to 7.4 (95% CI 7.0–7.8) unhealthy food advertisements/hour spent in outdoor public spaces. Exposures occurred in shopping centres, residential areas and sports facilities, commonly involving fast food, sugary drinks and ice cream. Peak exposure times were weekend afternoons/evenings and weekdays before/after school. In Wellington, we estimated that banning such advertising within 400 m of playgrounds would yield a 33% reduction in exposure, followed by in residential areas (27%), within 400 m of schools (25%), and 50% for a ban combining all above. This work documents the extent of children’s exposure to unhealthy food advertising and the potential impact of bans. Given the ubiquity of advertising in public spaces, this New Zealand research offers innovative methods and findings likely relevant in other jurisdictions.

scholarly journals Impact of a voluntary industry code for advertising food to children and young people: an analysis of New Zealand television data

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-27
Author(s):  
Stephanie Shen ◽  
Sally Mackay ◽  
Arier Lee ◽  
Cliona Ni Mhurchu ◽  
Ahmed Sherif ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Young People ◽  
Government Regulation ◽  
Food Advertising ◽  
Viewing Time ◽  
Unhealthy Food ◽  
Children And Young People ◽  
Number Of Children ◽  
Food Advertisements ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the impact of the 2017 update to the voluntary Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) Code for Advertising Food on children and young people’s exposure to unhealthy food advertisements on New Zealand television. Design: Audience ratings data were analysed for New Zealand children and young people’s television viewing for eight random days prior to (June to August 2015) and following (October to December 2018) the code update, from 6.00am-midnight (864 hours). Food advertisements were coded using three nutrient profiling models. The number of children and young people watching television each year were compared. Setting: Three free-to-air New Zealand television channels. Participants: New Zealand children aged 5-18 years. Results: Television viewer numbers decreased over the three years (P<0.0001). The mean rate of unhealthy food advertising on weekdays was 10.4 advertisements/hour (2015) and 9.5 advertisements/hour (2018). Corresponding rates for weekend days were 8.1 and 7.3 advertisements/hour, respectively. The percentage of food advertisements which were for unhealthy foods remained high (63.7% on weekdays and 65.9% on weekends) in 2018. The ASA definition of children’s ‘peak viewing time’ (when 25% of the audience are children) did not correspond to any broadcast times across weekdays and weekend days. Conclusions: Between 2015 and 2018, children and young people’s television exposure to unhealthy food advertising decreased. However, almost two-thirds of all food advertisements were still unhealthy, and the updated ASA code excluded the times when the greatest number of children were watching television. Consequently, government regulation and regular monitoring should reflect the evolving food marketing environment.

Children’s measured exposure to food and beverage advertising on television in a regulated environment, May 2011-2019

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-27
Author(s):  
Elise Pauzé ◽  
Lauren Remedios ◽  
Monique Potvin Kent
Keyword(s):  
Fast Food ◽  
Food Advertising ◽  
Unhealthy Food ◽  
Food Category ◽  
Food And Beverage ◽  
Trends Over Time ◽  
Human Participants ◽  
Commercial Advertising ◽  
Children’S Exposure ◽  
Media Data

Abstract Objective: To quantify food/beverage advertising on television in Montreal (Quebec), to estimate and characterize children’s exposure, and to examine trends over time. Design: Television food advertising data were licensed for 19 food categories and 18 stations for May 2011, 2016 and 2019. The frequency of advertisements and the average number viewed per child aged 2-11 years overall, by food category and by station type (i.e. youth-appealing (n=3) and generalist (n=15) stations) was determined. The percent change in advertising and exposure between May 2011 and 2019 was calculated. Setting: Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Participants: This study used media data and did not directly involve human participants. Results: The total number of television advertisements increased by 11% between May 2011 (n=41,084) and May 2019 (n=45,406) however exposure to food/beverage advertisements decreased by 53%, going from 226 ads/child in May 2011 to 107 ads/child in May 2019. Overall, the most advertised food categories in both May 2011 and 2019 were fast food (29.8% and 39.2%, respectively) followed by chocolate (14.2%) in 2011 and savory snacks (9.7%) in 2019. In May 2019, children were predominantly exposed to unhealthy food categories such as fast food (41.3% of exposure), savory snacks (7.5%), chocolate (5.0%) and regular soft drinks (4.5%), and most (89.3%) of their total exposure occurred on generalist television stations. Conclusion: Despite Quebec’s restrictions on commercial advertising directed to children under 13 years, Quebecois children are still frequently exposed to unhealthy food advertising on television. Government should tighten restrictions to protect children from this exposure.

scholarly journals Children’s measured exposure to food and beverage advertising on television in Toronto (Canada), May 2011–May 2019

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elise Pauzé ◽  
Monique Potvin Kent
Keyword(s):  
Fast Food ◽  
Soft Drinks ◽  
Food Advertising ◽  
Unhealthy Food ◽  
Food Category ◽  
Snack Foods ◽  
Food Advertisements ◽  
Food And Beverage ◽  
Advertising Exposure ◽  
Children’S Exposure

Abstract Objective Exposure to unhealthy food advertising is a known determinant of children’s poor dietary behaviours. The purpose of this study was to quantify and characterize Canadian children’s exposure to food advertising on broadcast television and examine trends over time. Methods Objectively measured advertising exposure data for 19 food categories airing on 30 stations broadcast in Toronto were licenced for May 2011 and May 2019. Using ad ratings data, the average number of food advertisements viewed by children aged 2–11 years, overall, by food category and by type of television station (child-appealing, adolescent-appealing and generalist stations), was estimated per time period. Results In May 2019, children viewed an average of 136 food advertisements on television, 20% fewer than in May 2011. More than half of advertisements viewed in May 2019 promoted unhealthy food categories such as fast food (43% of exposure), candy (6%), chocolate (6%) and regular soft drinks (5%) and only 17% of their total exposure occurred on child-appealing stations. Between May 2011 and May 2019, children’s exposure increased the most, in absolute terms, for savory snack foods (+7.2 ad exposures/child), fast food (+5.4) and regular soft drinks (+5.3) with most of these increases occurring on generalist stations. Conclusion Canadian children are still exposed to advertisements promoting unhealthy food categories on television despite voluntary restrictions adopted by some food companies. Statutory restrictions should be adopted and designed such that children are effectively protected from unhealthy food advertising on both stations intended for general audiences and those appealing to younger audiences.

scholarly journals Unhealthy food advertising directed to children on New Zealand television: extent, nature, impact and policy implications

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (17) ◽  
pp. 3029-3040 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefanie Vandevijvere ◽  
Alanna Soupen ◽  
Boyd Swinburn
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Food Advertising ◽  
Unhealthy Food ◽  
Nutrient Profiling ◽  
Average Impact ◽  
Food Advertisements ◽  
Advertising To Children ◽  
Air Channels

AbstractObjectiveTo comprehensively assess the extent, nature and impact of unhealthy food advertising targeted to children on New Zealand television.DesignFour weekdays and four weekend days were randomly selected over the period June–August 2015. Programming was recorded from 06.00 to 00.00 hours (midnight), for a total of 432 h. Audience ratings were used to identify children’s peak viewing times.SettingNew Zealand.SubjectsThe three major free-to-air channels.ResultsThe majority of foods advertised (n 1807) were unhealthy; 68·5 % of food advertisements included at least one food not permitted to be marketed to children according to the WHO nutrient profiling model. The mean hourly rate of unhealthy food advertising was 9·1 (sd 5·2). One-third of unhealthy food advertisements included a promotional character and one-third a premium offer. About 88 % of unhealthy food advertisements were shown during children’s peak viewing times. If unhealthy food advertisements were to be restricted during times when at least 25 % of children are watching television, this would reduce the average unhealthy food advertising impact by 24 % during weekdays and 50 % during weekend days, and if the WHO instead of the current nutrient profiling model were used to restrict unhealthy food advertising to children, the average impact would be reduced by 24 % during weekdays and 29 % during weekend days.ConclusionsCurrent self-regulation is ineffective in protecting children from exposure to unhealthy food advertising on television. The WHO nutrient profiling model needs to be used to restrict unhealthy food advertising, especially during children’s peak viewing times.

scholarly journals Exposure of Children to Unhealthy Food and Beverage Advertisements in South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 3856
Author(s):  
Daniel A. Yamoah ◽  
Jeroen De Man ◽  
Sunday O. Onagbiye ◽  
Zandile J. Mchiza
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Healthy Food ◽  
Food Advertising ◽  
Regulation System ◽  
Unhealthy Food ◽  
The South ◽  
Food And Beverages ◽  
Persuasive Strategies ◽  
Food And Beverage ◽  
Marketing To Children

Television (TV) is a powerful medium for marketing food and beverages. Food and beverage marketers tend to use this medium to target children with the hope that children will in turn influence their families’ food choices. No study has assessed the compliance of TV marketers with the South African Marketing to Children pledge since the enactment of the 2014 food advertising recommendations by the South African Department of Health and the Advertising Standards Authority. This study investigated the extent and nature of advertising of unhealthy versus healthy food and beverages to children in South African TV broadcasting channels. The date, time, type, frequency and target audience of food advertisements (ads) on four free-to-air South African TV channels were recorded and captured using a structured assessment guide. The presence of persuasive marketing techniques was also assessed. Unhealthy food and beverage advertising was recorded at a significantly higher rate compared with healthy food and beverages during the time frame when children were likely to be watching TV. Brand benefit claims, health claims and power strategies (e.g., advertising using cartoon characters and celebrated individuals) were used as persuasive strategies. These persuasive strategies were used more in unhealthy versus healthy food ads. The findings are in breach of the South African Marketing to Children pledge and suggest a failure of the industry self-regulation system. We recommend the introduction of monitored and enforced statutory regulations to ensure healthy TV food advertising space.

scholarly journals Children's exposure to sexually explicit content: Parents’ awareness, attitudes and actions

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edgar Pacheco ◽  
Neil Melhuish
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Quantitative Study ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
First Line ◽  
Online Safety ◽  
Key Players ◽  
Sexually Explicit ◽  
Explicit Content ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Children’S Exposure

Parents are key players in relation to the online safety of their children. However, while evidence shows that New Zealand teens regard their parents as the first line of support in dealing with online risks and challenges, parents seem to underestimate or be unaware of the frequency of such risks. This report presents findings from a larger quantitative study about parenting, digital technologies and online risks. It focuses on parents and caregivers’ awareness and attitudes towards their child’s access and exposure to sexually explicit content, both deliberately and/or accidentally, in the prior year. We conducted a quantitative survey with parents/whānau (and caregivers) of children aged 9 to 17 years old. The study was conducted in New Zealand based on a nationally representative sample. Our findings show that parents’ main online concerns are their children sharing nudes of themselves, being treated in a hurtful way, and seeing sexually explicit content. Also, the study found that 1 in 5 parents said their children were exposed to sexually explicit content online in the prior year.

Interest in and identification with the birth culture: An examination of ethnic socialization in New Zealand intercountry adoptions

2010 ◽  
Vol 53 (4) ◽  
pp. 528-541 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rhoda Scherman ◽  
Niki Harré
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Ethnic Socialization ◽  
Ethnic Identification ◽  
Adopted Children ◽  
Children’S Exposure

Interviews with 44 families in New Zealand who had adopted children from Russia or Romania found that parents’ interest in and children’s exposure to the birth culture were related to the children’s birth culture interest, but less related to their ethnic identification with the birth culture.

Unhealthy food marketing around New Zealand schools: a national study

2018 ◽  
Vol 63 (9) ◽  
pp. 1099-1107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefanie Vandevijvere ◽  
Janine Molloy ◽  
Naadira Hassen de Medeiros ◽  
Boyd Swinburn
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Food Marketing ◽  
National Study ◽  
Unhealthy Food

scholarly journals Promoting Resilience to Food Commercials Decreases Susceptibility to Unhealthy Food Decision-Making

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oh-Ryeong Ha ◽  
Haley J. Killian ◽  
Ann M. Davis ◽  
Seung-Lark Lim ◽  
Jared M. Bruce ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Critical Thinking ◽  
Food Choices ◽  
Literacy Intervention ◽  
Food Advertising ◽  
Unhealthy Food ◽  
Food Decisions ◽  
Decision Weights ◽  
Advertising Literacy ◽  
Food Commercials

Children are vulnerable to adverse effects of food advertising. Food commercials are known to increase hedonic, taste-oriented, and unhealthy food decisions. The current study examined how promoting resilience to food commercials impacted susceptibility to unhealthy food decision-making in children. To promote resilience to food commercials, we utilized the food advertising literacy intervention intended to enhance cognitive skepticism and critical thinking, and decrease positive attitudes toward commercials. Thirty-six children aged 8–12 years were randomly assigned to the food advertising literacy intervention or the control condition. Eighteen children received four brief intervention sessions via video over 1 week period. In each session, children watched six food commercials with interspersed embedded intervention narratives. While watching food commercials and narratives, children were encouraged to speak their thoughts out loud spontaneously (“think-aloud”), which provided children's attitudes toward commercials. Eighteen children in the control condition had four control sessions over 1 week, and watched the same food commercials without intervention narratives while thinking aloud. The first and last sessions were held in the laboratory, and the second and third sessions were held at the children's homes. Susceptibility to unhealthy food decision-making was indicated by the decision weights of taste attributes, taste perception, food choices, ad libitum snacking, and cognitive and affective attitudes toward food commercials. As hypothesized, the intervention successfully decreased susceptibility to unhealthy food decision-making evidenced by reduced decision weights of the taste in food decisions, decreased tasty perception of unhealthy foods, and increased cognitive skepticism and critical thinking toward food commercials. In addition, as children's opinions assimilated to intervention narratives, their cognitive skepticism and critical thinking toward commercials increased. The aforementioned results were not shown in the control condition. However, this brief intervention was not enough to change actual food choices or food consumption. Results of this study suggest that promoting resilience to food commercials by enhancing cognitive skepticism and critical thinking effectively reduced children's susceptibility to unhealthy food-decision making.

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