Have you struggled to get your children to eat healthier?
Do you have to avoid, or physically remove them from, the magnetic pull of sweets and fast food? Well, thanks to a new advertising regulation, your job just got a bit easier.
The Committee of Advertising Practice has enacted new regulations, which came into effect on 1st July 2017, that ban the advertising of food and drinks high in fat, salt or sugar (HFSS). The ban includes advertising in traditional media, online and anywhere that children constitute over 25% of the audience.
The move has been roundly praised by oral health professionals, who see it as a step towards improving the dental health of children across the country. Dr Nigel Carter OBE, CEO of the Oral Health Foundation, said, “Seeing these changes being strictly adhered to has the potential to provide a massive boost to the state of oral health in the UK, with children less likely to ask for products high in sugar which are damaging to their oral health.”
Here at 543, we quite agree. We have long been proponents of children’s dental health and are delighted the government is taking steps towards helping parents – and dental professionals – in the fight against unhealthy eating habits that lead not just to obesity, but also to tooth decay. We feel strongly that our children deserve better and this is a step in the right direction!
If you’d like to get involved, ‘Operation Eagle Eye’ has been launched to allow the public to act as a watchdog and make sure advertisers adhere to the new regulations. So, keep your eyes open and take advantage of this new policy to steer your children towards healthier choices!
For advice on how to look after your kids dental health and how to promote healthy oral care routines in your house be sure to check out Teeth Team.
If you have any questions about dietary choices and your family’s dental health, just ask us! Call us on 01482 565 488 or speak to your dentist or hygienist at your next appointment.
