Children's views on outdoor advertising of unhealthy food and beverages near schools

Abstract

Children are often exposed to unhealthy outdoor food advertisements during the school commute. This exposure can have negative public health consequences given childhood weight gain has been linked to the marketing of energy-dense and nutrient-poor foods. This study aimed to explore schoolchildren's lived experiences and attitudes towards outdoor advertising surrounding their schools. Seven focus groups with children aged 10–16 years (n = 47) attending schools located in areas with high densities of unhealthy outdoor advertising were conducted in Perth, Western Australia, between July and October 2023. Study participants were aware of outdoor advertising of unhealthy food and beverages near their school, with many reporting that it impacted their food preferences and diet. Many participants felt it was unethical to advertise unhealthy food and beverages around schools and strongly supported restricting alcohol advertising within school precincts. Participants suggested a range of strategies to manage outdoor advertising of unhealthy food and beverages, including banning advertisements on public transport. These findings have the potential to impact State and local government policies affecting children's exposure to unhealthy outdoor advertising, serving as a crucial strategy in the fight against childhood obesity and the harmful effects of alcohol.