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Marketing to Kids

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Vulnerable targets

The food industry takes advantage of children's vulnerability to gain their loyalty at an early age. Before the age of 7 or 8, children do not have the cognitive development to discern the persuasive intentions of advertisers, leaving them vulnerable to marketing practices.

« Commercial marketing of products that are harmful to children represents one of the most underappreciated risks to their health and wellbeing. »

A future for the world’s children? A WHO–UNICEF–Lancet Commission1


Food marketing influences the food knowledge, food attitudes, food preferences and eating behaviours of youth2-6. The vast majority of foods and beverages that are promoted to children do not contribute to healthy eating7.

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Our actions

PORTRAIT

PORTRAIT

The food industry is multiplying its strategies to attract children.

Learn more

COMPLAINTS

COMPLAINTS

Since 2009, many complaints have been filed.

Learn more

DENOUNCE

DENOUNCE

An advertisement seems to be in violation of the law ?

Denounce it!

 

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Webinar

In Canada, a bill is being studied to regulate the advertising of foods and drinks high in sugar, sodium or saturated fat to children. Efforts are being deployed to question the relevance of this initiative.

Demystify the truth about advertising to children in this webinar.

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Our publications

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  1. Clark H et al. A future for the world’s children? A WHO–UNICEF–Lancet Commission. The Lancet. 22 févr 2020;395(10224):605‑58.
  2. Hastings et al. (2003) Review of Research on the Effects of Food Promotion to Children, Glasgow, The University of Strathclyde, Food Standards Agency. Repéré au http://www.food.gov.uk/multimedia/pdfs/foodpromotiontochildren1.pdf
  3. Gootman, Appleton J, McGinnis, J Michael, & Kraak, Vivica I. (2006). Food Marketing to Children and Youth: Threat or Opportunity? : National Academies Press. 
  4. McDermott L, Stead M, Hastings G. (2007). Case study 4 : A marketing strategy to review the effects of food promotion to children. Repéré au http://www.management.stir.ac.uk/research/social-marketing/?a=21314
  5. Sustain : The alliance for better food and farming. (2004). Children's food and health: Why legislation is urgently required to protect children from unhealthy food advertising and promotions. Repéré au http://www.sustainweb.org/pdf/child_food_health.pdf
  6. Office de la protection du consommateur et Éditions Protégez-vous. (2008). Vos enfants et la pub. Repéré au http://www.opc.gouv.qc.ca/Documents/Publications/SujetsConsommation/FinancesAssurances/Pub liciteTrompeusePratiques/EnfantsPub/EnfantsPub.pdf
  7. Organisation mondiale de la Santé. (2022). Food marketing exposure and power and their associations with food-related attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors : a narrative review. Repéré au https://www.who.int/publications-detail-redirect/9789240041783 
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