Kids, Screens and the Snack Ads They See

Children in Karaganda, Kazakhstan spend a lot of time on social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok and Instagram. The videos they watch often contain food ads that try to make snacks look tasty and fun.

Study Overview

A new study examined how these kids feel about those ads and how often they see them. Researchers used two methods:

1. Interviews – Children were asked directly about their thoughts on food commercials.
2. Ad Counting – The number of ads shown while the kids watched videos was recorded.

Key Findings

• Age Difference: Younger children noticed fewer food ads than older ones.
• Exposure Level: Older kids, who use the platforms more often, were exposed to a higher number of snack commercials.
• Ad Appeal: Most children found the ads appealing and felt that they made certain foods look more desirable.
• Awareness Gap: Many children did not realize that ads are designed to persuade them, not just inform. This lack of awareness can influence their food choices and overall diet.

Implications

• Parental & Educational Role: Parents and teachers should discuss advertising with kids. Teaching them to recognize persuasive tactics can help them make healthier decisions.
• School Curriculum: Schools might consider adding media literacy lessons that cover online ads and food marketing.
• Policy Recommendations: The research suggests a need for clearer rules about advertising to children on digital platforms. Stricter regulations could reduce the number of food ads that reach young viewers and protect their health.