23 Apr Parents Demand Action as Junk Food Ads Target Aussie Kids
Public Support Is Strong – Now It’s Up to the Next Government to Act
As the federal election draws near, Australian parents are speaking up about a problem that hits close to home – junk food marketing aimed at children. A major new study led by Deakin University has revealed that 85% of caregivers are concerned about the way unhealthy food and drink companies advertise to kids.
The research, involving nearly 4,000 adults and published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, shows overwhelming public support for government action to protect children from unhealthy food marketing. Many adults are calling for measures such as banning junk food ads before 9pm, removing cartoon characters and other child-appealing designs from packaging, and restricting advertising in places kids visit regularly – like schools, shops, and public transport.
Dr. Clara Gomez-Donoso from Deakin’s Institute for Health Transformation says the findings make it clear: “More than 60% of Australian adults support a ban on the marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children. These aren’t just the views of experts – they reflect what parents and everyday Australians want.”
Experts Warn of a Health Crisis That Starts Early
Professor Kathryn Backholer, senior author and public health advocate, says parents are right to be concerned: “Junk food ads are everywhere – on TV, online, at the shops, even on the way to school. Children are constantly exposed to these messages, and it’s taking a toll on their health.”
Childhood obesity is on the rise, and preventable diseases linked to poor diet are growing fast. Public Health Association CEO Adjunct Professor Terry Slevin is urging all election candidates to take notice: “Obesity has now overtaken tobacco as the leading cause of preventable disease in Australia. This is a public health emergency, and we need to treat it that way.”
The Message to Leaders: Stop Putting Profits Before Kids’ Health
Jane Martin, Executive Manager of the Food for Health Alliance, says the time for voluntary industry action is over. “The processed food industry has had free rein for too long. It’s time the government stepped in to create a healthier environment for our kids – one where junk food ads don’t drown out healthy choices.”
With health already shaping up to be a key election issue, advocates say it’s time for real action. Parents want leadership that prioritises children’s wellbeing – not corporate profits.
Table 1: Concern among caregivers about unhealthy food marketing
| Very concerned | Somewhat concerned | A little concerned | Not concerned | |
| % of respondents with at least one child under 18 living at home | 19% | 33% | 33% | 15% |
Table 2: Public opinion towards unhealthy food marketing policies among adults in Australia
| Ban on | Support | Neutral | Support and Neutral
|
Oppose |
| Ban price discounts for unhealthy food
|
40% | 37% | 77% | 23% |
| Ban marketing of unhealthy food and beverages online
|
47% | 37% | 84% | 16% |
| Ban advertising of unhealthy food and beverages on TV before 9pm
|
54% | 32% | 86% | 14% |
| Ban unhealthy foods at supermarket checkouts
|
45% | 34% | 78% | 21% |
| Ban marketing unhealthy food and beverages to children
|
62% | 27% | 89% | 11% |
| Ban outdoor advertisements for unhealthy food and beverages
|
47% | 37% | 84% | 16% |
| Ban the use of cartoon characters and other elements that may appeal to children on the packaging of unhealthy foods | 56% | 31% | 87% | 13% |
