Heather J Baldwin1, Becky Freeman1, Bridget Kelly2. 1. 1Prevention Research Collaboration,Sydney School of Public Health,University of Sydney,Sydney,NSW 2006,Australia. 2. 4Early Start, School of Health & Society,University of Wollongong,Wollongong,NSW,Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To examine whether social media and online behaviours are associated with unhealthy food and beverage consumption in children. DESIGN: A cross-sectional online survey was used to assess Internet and social media use, including engagement with food and beverage brand content, and frequency of consumption of unhealthy foods and beverages. Linear regression models were used to examine associations between online behaviours, including engagement with food and beverage brand content, and consumption of unhealthy foods and beverages, adjusting for age, sex and socio-economic status. SETTING: New South Wales, Australia, in 2014. SUBJECTS: Children aged 10-16 years (n 417). RESULTS: Watching food brand video content on YouTube, purchasing food online and seeing favourite food brands advertised online were significantly associated with higher frequency of consumption of unhealthy foods and drinks after adjustment for age, sex and socio-economic status. CONCLUSIONS: Children who have higher online engagement with food brands and content, particularly through online video, are more likely to consume unhealthy foods and drinks. Our findings highlight the need to include social media in regulations and policies designed to limit children's exposure to unhealthy food marketing. Social media companies have a greater role to play in protecting children from advertising.
OBJECTIVE: To examine whether social media and online behaviours are associated with unhealthy food and beverage consumption in children. DESIGN: A cross-sectional online survey was used to assess Internet and social media use, including engagement with food and beverage brand content, and frequency of consumption of unhealthy foods and beverages. Linear regression models were used to examine associations between online behaviours, including engagement with food and beverage brand content, and consumption of unhealthy foods and beverages, adjusting for age, sex and socio-economic status. SETTING: New South Wales, Australia, in 2014. SUBJECTS:Children aged 10-16 years (n 417). RESULTS: Watching food brand video content on YouTube, purchasing food online and seeing favourite food brands advertised online were significantly associated with higher frequency of consumption of unhealthy foods and drinks after adjustment for age, sex and socio-economic status. CONCLUSIONS:Children who have higher online engagement with food brands and content, particularly through online video, are more likely to consume unhealthy foods and drinks. Our findings highlight the need to include social media in regulations and policies designed to limit children's exposure to unhealthy food marketing. Social media companies have a greater role to play in protecting children from advertising.
Authors: Anna Elizabeth Coates; Charlotte Alice Hardman; Jason Christian Grovenor Halford; Paul Christiansen; Emma Jane Boyland Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-01-09 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Ramona Moosburger; Clarissa Lage Barbosa; Marjolein Haftenberger; Anna-Kristin Brettschneider; Franziska Lehmann; Anja Kroke; Gert B M Mensink Journal: J Health Monit Date: 2020-03-04