“Scholz has to keep his word”: SPD should keep election promises - soon completely different child advertising?

During the election campaign, the SPD promised to regulate advertising for unhealthy food.

The Foodwatch association is now reminding the party of their words.

Berlin - “Now Olaf Scholz has to keep his word,” demands the Foodwatch association.

Specifically, it is about a promise of the SPD that was emphasized again and again during the election campaign: In future, advertising of unhealthy food should no longer be directed to children.

Bundestag election: SPD wants to regulate advertising for children - is Scholz keeping his promise?

Children are becoming “target objects for marketing” at an earlier age, according to a resolution of the SPD party executive on May 8, 2021. “We want to make it easier for parents to take care of a healthy diet for their children and to promote marketing aimed at children for unhealthy products such as sweets, Prohibit soft drinks and fast food. ”The SPD election program says:“ We want to regulate advertising aimed at children. ”An advertising ban for chocolate bars, chips & Co.?

Foodwatch welcomes the SPD's deliberations, but fears that the Social Democrats could give in in the exploratory talks currently underway.

The FDP, which could rule with the SPD (and the Greens) in a traffic light coalition, recently spoke out against advertising bans.

Foodwatch therefore wants to increase the pressure on Olaf Scholz with a petition.

Advertising for children: "The industry is torpedoing the efforts of parents"

In addition to the petition, the non-governmental organization explains why, in their opinion, such a ban is needed.

"With colorful comics, toys and online advertising, the food industry is targeting the efforts of parents to get their youngsters excited about healthy eating." The association's conclusion: "Advertising for the unhealthy promotes obesity and makes children sick."

In addition, Foodwatch settles accounts with the food industry.

“Eating behavior is already shaped in childhood.

The food industry knows that too and almost exclusively advertises sugar bombs and greasy snacks to children - because this is where the greatest profits beckon.

It cannot go on like this. "

The Central Association of the German Advertising Industry (ZAW) accused Foodwatch of "unjustified" criticism in August and spoke of a "sham debate".

Updated rules of conduct of the advertising council have been in force since the beginning of June and these have already led to "noticeable changes in advertising practice", for example in terms of slogans and highlighting positive nutritional properties.

For example, advertising for unhealthy foods should no longer refer to healthy ingredients such as calcium or vitamins.

Food advertising: 92 percent is aimed at children

It has been scientifically proven that unhealthy advertising has a particularly strong effect on the youngest of society.

According to a recent study, 92 percent of all food advertisements that children see in the media advertise foods that the World Health Organization classifies as unhealthy.

On average, children ages three to 13 see more than 15 unhealthy food advertisements a day.

Interesting: 70 percent of the food commercials examined on television are aimed specifically at children in terms of their design or broadcasting environment.

Therefore, reforms are imperative.

Saskia Reinbeck from Foodwatch Germany demands: "The health protection of children must be more important than the profit interests of the confectionery and junk food industry."