After reading an abstract from Chicago Journals- The Journal of Law and Economics on an article that was published about how fast-food on television creates childhood obesity, really got me thinking about if it would really work. I have a mixed feelings about this because I don't completely know how much hold television advertisements have on a children, and if it does carry a hold then I really do believe it's the parents responsibility to not cave in and be the boss. I know that in this fast paced world people want things quick and easily, but in order to be a good, successful parent you have to do what is best for your child and that goes beyond keeping them safe, because without good health, how safe are they?The article states that "a ban on these advertisements would reduce the number of overweight children ages 3–11 in a fixed population by 18 percent and would reduce the number of overweight adolescents ages 12–18 by 14 percent". This is an interesting study and thought. Obviously childhood obesity is a serious issue, but since fast food places such as McDonald's, Burger King, and Taco Bell aren't going anywhere maybe they should focus their advertisements on foods that are healthier and better for you that way children would see it and think that's what they sell, and eventually that's all that they could order. Wendy's is taking this advice and have recently been advertising "better for you, real products" where most others advertise their cheap costs, which to one person is a hit, while others may want better quality, because how good for you could something be and how good could the quality be when an entire meal costs you less than $4? My thoughts are that people will continue to eat at fast food restaurants regardless of what is advertised, parents just need to monitor their kids and people need to stop blaming and start fixing themselves.
http://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/590132
What I think is interesting about this, is that Childhood obesity is an ongoing fight that is affecting a lot of people in this country, but is it the kids to blame? Maybe they do see these commercials and billboards for McDonald's, Burger King, Taco Bell, etc. and want it after they see it, but these young children are not the ones who are going out and purchasing the fast food, it is the parents that give in to them. Obviously parents know that these chains are not the healthy option, but they are, in fact, giving into their winey children and creating a health risk for them. I think that these parents are the ones that are that need to put their foot down and help give their children a more healthy lifestyle. At the ages of 3-11, the parents have control, and they need to step up and make the changes for their children's safety.
ReplyDeleteI do not agree with the statement that child hood obesity is created by advertisements on t.v. This is ridiculous, just because children may see fast food advertised on T.V. this doesn't mean that they can go out themselves and get the food. It is up to the parent and they are the one who has to take action in order for their child to be eating this type of food. This is especially true for the age group that the article lists of 3-11. If people want to focus on health issues they should take a count for the fact that the person is the one who is choosing what food they put into thier bodies and stop blaming the media. You don't always get the right answer or fixed results by simply pointing fingers at the media.
ReplyDeleteBeing an an overweight child and struggling being an overweight adult, I don't think it is the advertisements that are the problem. With the situation on children being obese it is completely the parent and/or guardian's fault. I think people are just trying to pin their mistakes on someone else and why not go for the companies that make the food. I understand that these fast food companies are capitalizing on the market of parent's not having enough time so they just give their child McDonald's. I agree with the comments before me and think that the parents just need to plan their child's meals better and make sure they are getting the proper nutrients/exercise.
ReplyDeleteThis situation is kind of a tough one. Television is a large platform for advertisements and fast food giants take full advantage of this. Young children are cultivated by television to hold different values on what is presented to them, and the happy meal is one of great recognition for them. Maybe the parents should find a different outlet to entertain their children while they blow-dry their hair or talk on the phone?
ReplyDeleteI do not think that these advertisements really have that much effect on children. Like I see how children could see them and want them but 1.they cant drive. 2. they dont have money. 3. they dont know any better. sooooo who is to blame? i would say the parents not the advertisements. The parents can control what their child consumes. They can also control how active the child is which is another blame for childhood obesity. I work at a movie theatre and I see children there all the time, ordering whatever candy, soda, and popcorn they want, spending hours watching movies. If you are concerned about your child's health, take them to the park, go for a hike, eat a carrot. I understand in some cases, genetics are to blame but to point the finger completely on advertisements, i feel is ridiculous.
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