The results of a study of 2500 children commissioned by Cancer Research UK suggests using internet  sites with advertising may be linked to children’s  desire for high-sugar, high-fat and high-salt foods  they see advertised.

The study found that each additional hour children spent watching commercial TV was linked to:

• a 22 per cent increased chance of children asking for food they’d seen advertised
• a 21 per cent increased chance of children buying food they’d seen advertised
• a 23 per cent increased chance of them consuming sugary drinks
• an 18 per cent increased chance of consuming pastries and sweet biscuits.

Each additional hour children spent online was linked to:

• a 19 per cent increased chance of children asking for food they’d seen advertised
• a 19 per cent increased chance of children buying food they’d seen advertised
• a 9 per cent increased chance of them consuming sugary drinks
• a 13 per cent increased chance of them consuming pastries and sweet biscuits

Those who used the internet more than three hours a day were 79 per cent more likely to be overweight or obese than children who used the internet half an hour a day or less.

Cancer Research UK has called for the British government to ban junk food advertising altogether on TV before 9pm and bring in similar protection for children exposed to advertising online.

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