Kids are viewing fewer food ads
From Times Wire Services
Kids watch fewer food television ads than they did in 1977, a federal agency says -- but there’s a catch.
A new Federal Trade Commission study found that half of the ads for junk food, sugary cereals and soft drinks are on children’s programs, double the number 30 years ago. That may bolster the view of health experts who say too many TV food ads contribute to a rise in childhood obesity.
Children ages 2 to 11 saw about 5,500 food ads on television in 2004, down about 9% from about 6,100 such ads in 1977, the FTC’s study said.
