Quit using cartoons to sell unhealthy snacks, say parents

That's according to a new report Pester Power or Parent Power? published today (16 July).

The report is based on research with 942 parents of children across the UK conducted by the Children’s Food Campaign and Food Active, with support from the Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity. The campaign organisations are calling on the Government to consider regulating the use of child-friendly characters on less healthy food and drink packaging as part of the next stages of its childhood obesity action plan.

Parents reported how popular characters from TV and films have a powerful effect on the food and drink their children notice and ask for. Whilst parents do not always give into children’s pestering, many agreed that using these characters often makes their parenting job more difficult, especially if they take their children shopping with them.