An Encouraging Marketing-to-Children Update from Across the Pond

And now, some moderately positive marketing-to-children breaking news out of the United Kingdom.

Highlights:

• “Junk food adverts aimed at children are to be banned online, in print and in the cinema after a detailed consultation on the damage they do by encouraging children to eat unhealthy food, the Committee on Advertising Practice (AP) announced today.”

• “The ruling was a start but did not go far enough, health organizations said. It will stop adverts for foods high in fat, salt and sugar in entertainment and publications explicitly for children but not in those for adults or families unless children make up more than 25% of the audience.”

• “From 1 July, adverts for products with high fat, salt or sugar content will no longer be allowed on video-sharing platforms and sponsored games if they are likely to appeal to children under the age of 16. Promotions, licensed characters and celebrities popular with children will be allowed for healthy food and drink products only.”

• “Action on Sugar welcomed the new rules. “However, we need to see bans on advertising go further, as they currently do not manage exposure to these adverts during popular family programs such as the X Factor or Britain’s Got Talent,” said its campaign manager, Jenny Rosborough, a registered nutritionist.”