Screen Time

By Adam Nelson, WHF Associate

Up to $10 billion dollars per year are spent by food marketers, targeted at children as young as two years old. Food advertising does affect children’s food preferences, and has been linked to childhood obesity. The CDC recommends no more of 2 hours per day of screen time per day for children, one reason being the exposure to food related advertising. Screen time is defined as time spent watching television, playing video games, and using the computer.

Food advertising is thought to be one specific reason for screen time’s link to obesity, in addition to reduced time for physical activity. A study published in Feb. 2010 suggests that media advertising is a link to obesity in children. The study separated media into 5 different categories divided by educational content, exposure to advertising, and media i.e. DVD, cable, or broadcast TV. Media that contained food advertising was linked to obesity, but children who spent more time in front of the screen were not found to be less physically active.

Several actions can help reduce the negative effects of advertising on children’s food preferences. Counter-advertising for nutritious foods and implementing policies limiting food advertising to children are some community level actions which can be taken. Parents may also take an active role in reducing exposure to advertising by limiting screen time by restricting commercial based programming, choosing educational based programs such as those found on PBS, and discussing food choices with children. The Washington Active Body Active Minds website is a resource for parents who what to learn more about the effects of screen time.

Media based advertising is just one contributor to the obesity epidemic in Washington State. The Healthiest State Campaign is teaming up with the state’s Department of Health to develop a new public/private Healthiest Communities Partnership. We want to make healthy choices, like regular physical activity, the easy choices in our state.

To learn more about the Healthiest Communities Partnership, click here.