Proper health and nutrition is of critical importance to the growth and development of young children yet many American children eat in ways that do not meet proper nutrition guidelines. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the media, and its promotion of junk food, is one of the main culprits in the obesity epidemic. Read the article, "Children, Adolescents, Obesity, and the Media," and watch the video, We're Not Buying It: Stop Junk Food Marketing to Kids.
What role does the media play in the promotion of unhealthy food choices? Identify and describe a specific example.
What are the long-term consequences of these media messages on children's health and nutrition?
Describe two to three specific things parents and teachers of young children can do to combat media messages that promote unhealthy food choices.