Marketing Fast Food to Children
Why do fast food chains mostly market to kids and teens? What makes them most targeted? Why are kids and teens most attracted to these fast food advertisements?
Each and every day fast food franchises such as Mcdonalds and Burger King are most aimed to children ages six and under. I remember seeing those commercials that advertised Ronald Mcdonald telling children to buy Mcdonalds and their kids meals since their chicken nuggets were made of 100% meat and their fries are all naturally grown and cooked. Little do kids know though, what they eat are high in calories and oil substances that make their food a hazard to children's health.
According to Yale's News column (http://news.yale.edu/2013/11/04/fast-food-companies-still-target-kids-marketing-unhealthy-products) In just 2012 $6.4 billion advertisements were all in favor of unhealthy foods. Children ranging from the ages of six to eleven saw 10% of ads for fast food while teens saw five ads everyday on TV. Healthier kids were advertised by few restaurants and fast food ads were only viewed to kids. But fast food advertisements are spread even more today through social media and mobile devices.
Kids and teens are attracted to what the food brings to the plate. Since the start of putting toys in every kids meal, fast food that children eat have increased. Although healthier alternatives have been created such as apple slices and milk have been added to the meals, I believe there should be a limit to the amount of advertisements kids and teens are targeted for. Advertisements should be showed in a way so the community can take advantage of their vulnerabilities and choose a healthier choice.
No comments:
Post a Comment