SINGAPORE, October 2- Singapore will implement new guidelines to restrict advertisements of unhealthy food to children beginning next year,Xinhua news agency reports citing local media.
The guidelines will be administered by the Advertising Standards Authority of Singapore and ban promotion of sugary treats such as soft drinks and chocolate targeting children aged 12 and below in the media, the Straits Times reported.
They cover all child-targeted media including children’s television channels and publications, and ads at bus stops within 50 metres of primary schools.The guidelines were drawn up by health authorities and advertising and food industry representatives after Health Minister Gan Kim Yong proposed to curb ads showing unhealthy food in 2012.
A poll by health authorities found that nine in 10 parents or guardians would buy a certain food or drink product if the children asked for it after seeing an ad.”Perhaps this is how we think we show love to our kids but we must cultivate healthy dietary habits among them,” said Parliamentary Secretary for Health Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim.
Studies have shown that children aged 12 and below are more susceptible to being influenced by advertisements and it is not easy to change habits developed in their childhood.
All food and beverage advertisements targeting children under twelve are required to meet the Common Nutrition Criteria endorsed by the Health Promotion Board starting next year.
-BERNAMA
