Several associations for children’s health and prevention ofobesity have written a letter to the senators for the suppression of commercial advertising in the youth programs of public television.
On December 7, 2016, the Senate must declare itself on its bill aimed at the “suppression of commercial advertising in youth programs from public television” tabled by Senator André Gattolin. This law was adopted by the National Assembly on January 14, 2016. On this occasion, the French Association of Ambulatory Pediatrics (AFPA), the Association for the Care and Prevention of Obesity in Pediatrics (APOP) and the French Society of Professionals in Adapted Physical Activity (SFP-APA) sent a letter to the senators to remind the interests of this decision on children’s health.
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“87% of French people say they are now in favor of” removing commercial advertising in youth programs from public television. ” But we know that this popular measure is in turn generating intense lobbying by certain economic interest groups. Also, defenders by conviction of the child, concerned about the prevention of the health of the future adult, concerned by the health care expenses of chronic diseases, we would like to remind you of our position ”, reminds Dr. François Marie Caron, pediatrician member of the French Association of Ambulatory Pediatrics, specialist in issues related to screens.
Fight against childhood obesity
This law aims to protect children fromobesity and overweight. Young children are more malleable and all the images sell products that are too fatty, sweet and unbalanced health have a stronger impact. Not to mention that advertising promotes overconsumption and changes the food balance. “The increase in the quantities of food consumed being 134% for obese children, 101% for those overweight and 84% for those of normal weight,” recalls the pediatrician.
This measure has already been taken by Quebec (Canada) since 1980, Sweden since 1991 and Norway since 1992. In Australia, the law prohibits advertising on television for programs intended for preschool children. In Spain, all public television programs (RTVE) have ceased to broadcast advertising since 2013. As in the United Kingdom, since the creation of the BBC. “France must therefore follow the models of European countries which have taken this problem head on. Professionals dealing on a daily basis with the suffering of overweight children or obese, we feel legitimate to invite you to vote for this bill, without amending it, and thus achieve a positive approach which contributes to the protection of our children ”, concludes Dr. François Marie Caron.
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