Digital Advertising and Nutrition

The AAP says screen media consumption is inversely correlated with fruit and vegetable intake.

Sep 20, 2023

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By Kerry Gallagher

The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that “screen media consumption is inversely correlated with fruit and vegetable intake and directly correlated with energy-dense, nutrient-poor snacks, drinks, and food.” More fast food, sugar beverages, candy and cereals are advertised in African American, Hispanic, and low-income communities. Overall, unhealthy food advertising in 13- to 17-year-olds is also correlated with development of media-driven norms that supersede healthier family norms. Social media influencers can sway teenagers toward unhealthy choices.

Parents can have consistent conversations with their children about:

  • their nutritional needs and how to meet them each day to ensure they are feeling their best
  • the motivations of the advertisers and how to use their media literacy skills to critically consider advertisements

 Read more about the impact of media on youth health habits here.


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