Michele Polacsek1, Faith Boninger2, Alex Molnar2, Liam M O'Brien3. 1. University of New England, Linnel Hall, Room 212, 716 Stevens Avenue, Portland, OR 04103. 2. National Education Policy Center, School of Education, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309-0249. 3. Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Davis Science Center, Box 5838, Colby College, 4000 Mayflower Hill, Waterville, ME 04901-8858.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: One promising approach to influence nutrition behavior is to limit food and beverage marketing to children. Children are a lucrative market and schools may be an effective setting in which to intervene. Studies have shown that marketing in schools is prevalent but little is known about digital marketing (DM) to students in the school setting. METHODS: We used an online survey to assess DM environments in a national sample of middle schools. RESULTS: Our findings demonstrate that students are exposed to marketing through school devices. Gaps in school district, school and classroom policy and practice lead to student exposure to food and beverage marketing. CONCLUSIONS: Our data point to actionable policy and practice change at the school district, individual school, and classroom levels that could help limit unwanted and harmful food and beverage marketing to youth.
BACKGROUND: One promising approach to influence nutrition behavior is to limit food and beverage marketing to children. Children are a lucrative market and schools may be an effective setting in which to intervene. Studies have shown that marketing in schools is prevalent but little is known about digital marketing (DM) to students in the school setting. METHODS: We used an online survey to assess DM environments in a national sample of middle schools. RESULTS: Our findings demonstrate that students are exposed to marketing through school devices. Gaps in school district, school and classroom policy and practice lead to student exposure to food and beverage marketing. CONCLUSIONS: Our data point to actionable policy and practice change at the school district, individual school, and classroom levels that could help limit unwanted and harmful food and beverage marketing to youth.
Authors: Jennifer A Emond; Frances Fleming-Milici; Julia McCarthy; Sara Ribakove; Jeff Chester; Josh Golin; James D Sargent; Diane Gilbert-Diamond; Michele Polacsek Journal: Am J Prev Med Date: 2020-12-10 Impact factor: 6.604