Ads increase the sale of high-sugar cereals.
Breakfast cereals are yummy, but some have too much sugar. A new study shows that TV ads make kids want sugary cereals. But for adults, ads don’t change what they buy.
The result of the study.
Scientists looked at 77,000 U.S. families from 2008 to 2017. They checked:
- What cereals families bought.
- What TV ads they watched.
The results showed:
- More ads aimed at kids = more sugary cereal bought.
- Ads for adults = no change.
- Most sugary cereals came from just nine brands.
This study proves that TV ads make kids ask for sugary cereals. That’s why food ads affect what families buy.
Such ads should be limited.
Ads can make kids want unhealthy food. Eating too many unhealthy foods, like food with high sugar content, can lead to health problems like obesity and diabetes.
To help kids eat better, we should:
- Show fewer ads for unhealthy foods.
- Make ads that encourage healthy eating.
You must also learn how sugar affects your body. Parents and schools should help children learn to make good food choices for a healthy future. Next time you see a food ad, think: Do I really want it, or is the ad making me want it?
