It seems these days children are obsessed with packaged, processed foods high in sugars and salts. Unhealthy snacks and treats are like kiddie kryptonite – they will do anything for it! But why is it so appealing to them?
The Science Behind it
First off, junk foods are low in nutritional value and packed with salt, sugar and fats that trigger pleasure centres in the brain and provide a spurt of energy. This quick release of dopamine creates cravings for more fast food with similar payoffs, artificial flavourings and additives such as MSGs that makes fast food taste better. Your child knows that eating junk food will make them feel good, at least at first!
On a scientific level, when you consume high quantities of sugar, the body creates more insulin in an attempt to balance it out. This is what causes the sugar crash, when kids inevitably come down from their sugary buzz and, in turn, crave more.
The highs and lows associated with fast food intake are highly characteristic of addiction. The question is, are our children addicted to fast food?
Children are indeed highly susceptible to becoming hooked on fast food, as their brains have not yet developed proper impulse control. A new study has found that junk food may be damaging our children’s brains, specifically the prefrontal cortex. This is the part that is responsible for behaviour, impulse control and decision-making, so it makes sense that children are so obsessed with junk food!
The Origins of Fast-Food Culture and Youth
We are living in a world where immediate gratification is the norm. People want quick results, instant communication and fast-paced lifestyles. Food is no exception.
The origin of fast-food culture is closely linked to youth culture. Emerging in the 1970s as a speedier option for busy commuters, it quickly became popular with young people as a means of socialisation. Fast food chains still offer youth places to gather on weekends and after school. It goes to say that peer pressure plays a part here too, and will affect where and what young people choose to eat.
When McDonald’s first opened in the UK in the 1970s, the cheapest thing on the menu was a hamburger for 59p. Still to this day in 2022, you can get yourself a burger for only a pound. This makes it incredibly easy and tempting for young people with little money.
The Role of Media
You may notice that fast-food chains, crisps and sweet packets are all designed with bold, eye-catching colours. McDonald’s is a prime example, with its famous gold and red logo. Studies have shown that the McDonald’s symbol is even more internationally recognised than the Christian cross!
These multi-billion industries target young people with their package designs, prices, convenience and deals. On top of this, advertisement plays a big part in keeping young people hooked on junk food, as it triggers a craving. In an online world, this becomes increasingly hard to avoid!
The media paints a picture of families eating junk food together with big smiles and chirpy music. But the terrifying reality is that it is damaging the health of our kids and the planet. The junk food industry is one of the biggest polluters, not to mention the agricultural side of fast food which has devastating effects on the environment.
What is Being Done?
Laws and regulations are to be put in place regarding promotions such as buy one get one free for products high in sugars, salts and fats to try and protect kids’ health. It would also prevent the advertisement of junk food before 9 pm. This was to have gone ahead in October 2022 but has been pushed back to October 2023. Barbara Crowther, of the Children’s Food Campaign, says that Boris Johnson is ‘playing politics with children’s health’.
However, restrictions on the placement of junk food in key spots such as entrances, check outs and isle ends will still go forth in October. So, you won’t have to worry so much about your kids moaning for chocolate and crisps every time you enter or leave a shop, at least!
What Can Parents Do?
Educate! Children are the key to change, and the world needs rapid societal movement lead by parents and people in positions of power. The lessons around food that you teach your children from a young age will shape their view on the world, and the future of food. They will pass it on to their friends, and it should make them more aware of media, advertisements and the risks of eating an unbalanced diet!
Kids that form bad eating habits are much more likely to struggle with dietary and health problems down the line. It’s a lot harder to change habits that are formed at a young age! If you can encourage your children to replace these fast fixes with healthy alternatives, they can fix their eating habits and lower their cravings for junk food!
Children are naïve to the negative impacts of junk food, and so it’s easier for them to become addicted. If we teach our children at home about balanced diets, nutrition and the environment, then we equip them with the knowledge that will affect their decision-making.
To Conclude…
It’s all convenient. Fast food is cheaper and easier to access. Its media presence makes it very difficult to avoid.
These companies target young people, so it’s important to educate our children about the damage of fast food to our bodies, minds and the environment. Offering quick, healthy alternatives and providing them with the right knowledge will set them up to form healthy eating habits and appreciate the power of veggies!
If you would like more help, don’t hesitate to contact the team at Veginom today!