Could banning fast food ads be the key to a healthier future? This move sparks debate
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In a move that’s bound to spark heated discussions, South Australia has introduced a measure that could drastically alter how we view advertising on public transport.
The implications are far-reaching, especially when it comes to public health and how we shape children’s eating habits.
This controversial decision has raised questions about its effectiveness and whether it will achieve its desired impact.
South Australia made headlines with its decision to ban fast food advertisements on public transport, becoming the first state in the country to do so.
Starting 1 July 2025, promotions for unhealthy foods, such as chocolate, lollies, ice cream, chips, and sugary drinks, would be prohibited from Adelaide’s buses, trams, and trains.
The state's health minister, Chris Picton, argued that big brands spend millions annually on catchy ads that encourage children to consume highly processed foods filled with fat, salt, and sugar.
He called the ban a ‘sensible step towards a healthier South Australia’.
This bold move targets a significant public health concern: unhealthy diets are now the leading cause of disease and injury in Australia, surpassing tobacco.
Dr Alexandra Jones, a researcher at the George Institute for Global Health, pointed out that two-thirds of adults and one in four children are overweight or obese, with food advertising being a major contributing factor.
The influence of ads on children’s food choices is well-documented. Ads for junk food follow children everywhere, from their commute to school to their time spent online.
Even preschoolers can recognise brands, and companies are eager to shape young consumers’ preferences, thereby encouraging pester power and fostering brand loyalty for life.
Dr Jones explained that the World Health Organization has long recommended mandatory policies to protect children from junk food marketing, citing evidence that advertising negatively impacts food choices and diets.
Public transport was identified as a key target due to its high visibility and the fact that many children are exposed to unhealthy ads during their school commutes.
Research from Cancer Council revealed that around 80 per cent of food ads on public transport and near schools in South Australia and New South Wales promoted junk food. In Victoria, this figure rose to 90 per cent in areas close to schools, with tram stops seeing the highest concentration of ads.
Children in Perth were also shown to be exposed to a significant number of unhealthy food ads while using public transport, with train passengers encountering 37 ads on their way to school.
For those who took the bus, the number dropped to 22, while children walking to school saw only four.
The decision in South Australia has been praised by public health advocates. Dr Jones hailed it as a ‘sensible and progressive move’ similar to similar measures in London and Amsterdam’s public transport systems.
In contrast, advertising industry bodies, such as the Australian Association of National Advertisers and the Outdoor Media Association, opposed the ban.
They argued that it didn’t address the complex root causes of obesity.
While the South Australian ban marks a notable shift, other states, such as Victoria, have yet to follow suit.
Public health advocates there continue to push for similar restrictions, with the Food Fight! campaign calling for a ban on junk food ads on public transport and within 500 metres of schools.
In London, a similar initiative led to no loss in advertising revenue but contributed to a decline in unhealthy food purchases, according to Jane Martin of the Food for Health Alliance.
She pointed out that children, especially adolescents, spend a lot of time on public transport, which is often located near schools and sports facilities.
While some states have established rules for limiting the promotion of alcohol, gambling, and offensive content on public transport, unhealthy food ads remain largely unregulated.
A Victorian government spokesperson stated that advertising guidelines are regularly reviewed to reflect community standards.
Despite the changes in South Australia, food advertising restrictions remain fragmented across the country.
Federal action is expected soon, with the government considering feedback on a broader policy to limit unhealthy food ads across TV, social media, and online platforms.
According to research by Deakin University, teenagers are exposed to an average of 24 junk food ads daily on these platforms.
The Australian Medical Association has called for a tougher, nationwide approach, including a ‘digital blackout on junk food adverts’.
This could lead to stricter regulations across multiple platforms, including television, online, and outdoor spaces, with particular attention to schools and major transport routes.
As the debate over advertising restrictions continues, South Australia’s move to ban fast food ads on public transport could be a major step forward in the fight against obesity.
Time will tell if other states follow suit, and whether such measures can truly make a difference in children’s health.
Will banning fast food ads on public transport truly tip the scales towards a healthier society, or are deeper changes needed to tackle obesity at its core?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
The implications are far-reaching, especially when it comes to public health and how we shape children’s eating habits.
This controversial decision has raised questions about its effectiveness and whether it will achieve its desired impact.
South Australia made headlines with its decision to ban fast food advertisements on public transport, becoming the first state in the country to do so.
Starting 1 July 2025, promotions for unhealthy foods, such as chocolate, lollies, ice cream, chips, and sugary drinks, would be prohibited from Adelaide’s buses, trams, and trains.
The state's health minister, Chris Picton, argued that big brands spend millions annually on catchy ads that encourage children to consume highly processed foods filled with fat, salt, and sugar.
He called the ban a ‘sensible step towards a healthier South Australia’.
This bold move targets a significant public health concern: unhealthy diets are now the leading cause of disease and injury in Australia, surpassing tobacco.
Dr Alexandra Jones, a researcher at the George Institute for Global Health, pointed out that two-thirds of adults and one in four children are overweight or obese, with food advertising being a major contributing factor.
The influence of ads on children’s food choices is well-documented. Ads for junk food follow children everywhere, from their commute to school to their time spent online.
Even preschoolers can recognise brands, and companies are eager to shape young consumers’ preferences, thereby encouraging pester power and fostering brand loyalty for life.
Dr Jones explained that the World Health Organization has long recommended mandatory policies to protect children from junk food marketing, citing evidence that advertising negatively impacts food choices and diets.
Public transport was identified as a key target due to its high visibility and the fact that many children are exposed to unhealthy ads during their school commutes.
Research from Cancer Council revealed that around 80 per cent of food ads on public transport and near schools in South Australia and New South Wales promoted junk food. In Victoria, this figure rose to 90 per cent in areas close to schools, with tram stops seeing the highest concentration of ads.
Children in Perth were also shown to be exposed to a significant number of unhealthy food ads while using public transport, with train passengers encountering 37 ads on their way to school.
For those who took the bus, the number dropped to 22, while children walking to school saw only four.
The decision in South Australia has been praised by public health advocates. Dr Jones hailed it as a ‘sensible and progressive move’ similar to similar measures in London and Amsterdam’s public transport systems.
In contrast, advertising industry bodies, such as the Australian Association of National Advertisers and the Outdoor Media Association, opposed the ban.
They argued that it didn’t address the complex root causes of obesity.
While the South Australian ban marks a notable shift, other states, such as Victoria, have yet to follow suit.
Public health advocates there continue to push for similar restrictions, with the Food Fight! campaign calling for a ban on junk food ads on public transport and within 500 metres of schools.
In London, a similar initiative led to no loss in advertising revenue but contributed to a decline in unhealthy food purchases, according to Jane Martin of the Food for Health Alliance.
She pointed out that children, especially adolescents, spend a lot of time on public transport, which is often located near schools and sports facilities.
While some states have established rules for limiting the promotion of alcohol, gambling, and offensive content on public transport, unhealthy food ads remain largely unregulated.
A Victorian government spokesperson stated that advertising guidelines are regularly reviewed to reflect community standards.
Despite the changes in South Australia, food advertising restrictions remain fragmented across the country.
Federal action is expected soon, with the government considering feedback on a broader policy to limit unhealthy food ads across TV, social media, and online platforms.
According to research by Deakin University, teenagers are exposed to an average of 24 junk food ads daily on these platforms.
The Australian Medical Association has called for a tougher, nationwide approach, including a ‘digital blackout on junk food adverts’.
This could lead to stricter regulations across multiple platforms, including television, online, and outdoor spaces, with particular attention to schools and major transport routes.
As the debate over advertising restrictions continues, South Australia’s move to ban fast food ads on public transport could be a major step forward in the fight against obesity.
Time will tell if other states follow suit, and whether such measures can truly make a difference in children’s health.
Will banning fast food ads on public transport truly tip the scales towards a healthier society, or are deeper changes needed to tackle obesity at its core?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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