Digital Bites: Knowledge vs Marketing

Why do kids and teens see different food ads online? Where they live makes a big difference in what they see while enjoying the internet. This isn't just about TV commercials. That's right! Now digital media is the game changer for marketing. We're talking about what kids and teens are seeing online. Two places, Ontario and Quebec, have different rules about food ads kids see. Ontario has self-regulated rules, which means companies decide what's okay. But Quebec has stronger government rules. The online game is bigger than ever for kids and teens. Both kids and teens have different things they see online but it makes you wonder if kids are seeing the wrong thing. That's what is happening. The number of kids and teenagers online is growing every day. They are the biggest audience for adverts. That's why researchers trying to figure out how to keep kids from unhealthy food ads. They're looking at if and how the government can protect kids from unhealthy food ads. Kids see what companies want them to, but do they understand what is healthy for them? There are different rules in different places. In Ontario, if a company wants to show ads or not is up to them. This is a big deal. It's like having rules and then you ask companies to follow them or not. In Quebec, this is different. The laws protect against many unhealthy ads. That's why the two places may have different outcomes.

The problem is, we don't know much about ads in Canada as a whole. Young people now use computers, tablets, and phones daily. Researchers are asking questions about how much food marketing we see on digital platforms. This is important for policy makers and for Canadians who want to keep our children healthy. Teachers can use this information to teach students about marketing in schools too. It's all about making sure food marketing doesn't lead to unhealthy habits. There are many ads for unhealthy foods on social media and websites. This is too bad because these are the biggest things kids and teens use. Kids can't make up their own minds about what to eat. Adults should make sure kids learn about healthy foods and not let ads control them. Companies need self-regulation and government should enforce rules that work. They are not sure if self-regulation is enough. It's like grading their own homework. But in Quebec, the government has taken a stand to make food ads healthier. This is all tied to making sure we understand how food marketing works. When companies advertise unhealthy food, they are trying to get kids to like them. The companies want kids to ask for it. Everyone should protect our kids from marketing gimmicks. Having strong regulations is crucial. Marketing to kids and teens needs to be changed. Companies can be smarter by focusing on healthy choices, NOT bad ones. Even with strict laws, advertising healthy lifestyles and food is always better than pushing sugar and fat.

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