Over the past several weeks there has been much debate about advertising standards for food marketed to children under the age of twelve and it’s been extremely interesting to observe.
I just don’t understand the finger pointing that is focused on one sector when this problem was caused by multiple factors. Advertising towards kids is one component of the issue. There’s no argument there. However, let’s acknowledge the concessions the food industry has made to date to try and be part of the solution. What they’ve done hasn’t been perfect but it’s a start. Clearly everyone is stumbling trying to find solutions. Otherwise the obesity rates wouldn’t have gone up in the latest “F as in Fat Report”.
Hypothetically, imagine that 100% of the advertisements deemed to be harmful to kids are banished from the airwaves. Would that fix the childhood obesity problem? I’m guessing probably not. So what comes after that? Who is next? The gaming industry: because kids spend too much time playing video games? Do you ban any minor under the age of 18 from purchasing an Xbox or Playstation? How about stopping children from using Facebook and Twitter? There is no one main culprit here, just like there is no silver bullet to fix it.
I love talking with our athletes because they’re winners. The ones that played on team sports always tell me that it’s not the best group of players that win, but the best “team”. They’re all in it together and they always have each other’s backs. The way I see it, we’re all on the same team when it comes to childhood obesity, but we definitely don’t have each other’s backs. Nothing positive comes out of pointing fingers and blaming someone else. Championship teams stick together through adversity and they come through the fire better for it.
So it’s gut check time for this team. You want to fix this problem? Stop blaming your teammates. Start by looking in the mirror. Parents, you need to be more conscientious that your kids are active and have balanced diets. Corporations, you need to be more conscientious and creative with your advertising. Schools, find ways to educate your students while providing recess/PE and upgrading your food standards. Federal Government, find ways to help these things happen without hurting business and hamstringing the education community.
None of this is easy, but championship teams find ways to stick together and win.
The majority of health concerns can be connected to lifestyle and behaviors. Efforts such as promoting nutrition and exercise have not been successful in reducing obesity rates as our culture and TV marketting promotes indulgence and immediate gratification. Those that seek quick fixes do not alter their lifestyle, therefore do not sustain any progress made. As our behaviors are influenced by culture and environment, having a supportive family environment that emphasizes and participates in healthy lifestyle choices and activities will be the main contributing factor to raising healthy children. Technology is also advancing every day taking precious minutes from physical activity and fresh air from us. However, as parents we need to be diligent and committed to the health of our children by ensuring they get an appropriate amount of physical activity. As a mother of teen boys, I understand the resistance that is displayed to kicking them outside but my responsibility of their well-being far exceeds the battle. I am 40 years old and I still throw a football around with my boys.