Junk food advertising and its effect on Scotland’s young people

What do Junk Food adverts do? Children and Family speak.

A team from Fast Forward recently partnered with Obesity Action Scotland (OAS) to deliver an exciting project focused on healthy eating and junk food advertising at Canal View Primary School.

They led engaging sessions with two Primary 6 classes, working to explore the impact of food advertisements. The young people took part in discussions, were presented with quick quiz questions and statistics, reflected on how much they knew about what makes food unhealthy, and what they knew about food promotion.

Following these sessions, ten students, selected by their teacher, participated in a focused group work exercise where they analysed food adverts. This allowed them to think critically about the tactics used in food marketing and create their own campaigns promoting healthy foods to inspire their peers.

A film student joined the team on the day alongside Neve and Jennifer from Obesity Action Scotland, capturing moments from the sessions. With plenty of photos from the event, this project will not only make an impact in the classroom but will also reach a wider audience when it is presented at a Parliamentary Reception at Holyrood on the 24^th of April.

OAS also facilitated a focus group discussion with a selection of dads who Fast Forward have a relationship with through various Ask Dad projects, opening discussions about how we shop for food and the industry’s role in shaping children’s eating habits. The goal of the discussion was to understand parents views and experiences of price promotions of unhealthy food and drink (high in fat, sugar, and salt), both in retail and online settings.

The group provided a range of interesting perspectives and insights that Obesity Action Scotland had not previously considered to add to their report and the participating dads appreciated having their views heard and valued. Some of the issues raised by the participants that had not previously been considered included; how shared parenting arrangements affects grocery shopping choices and shopping for children with taste and sensory issues and other additional support needs. To read more about Ask Dad’s research click here – oas-promotions-research-report-online-final.pdf!

Stay tuned for updates as this important work continues! If you’d like to help share the project on social media, let us know – we’d love to get more people talking about healthy eating and the power of advertising.

Take a look at some of the photos from the day!