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Are Our Kids Being Affected By Advertising?
By Cindy | August 12, 2007
If you think young kids aren’t affected by all the advertising they see … You are wrong according to a recent study at Stanford University.
The study included 63 children between the ages of 3 and 5. Their families were all in a “low income bracket”, but researchers believe the results would be the same in the “high income bracket”.
The study wanted to see the overall influence of a company’s brand … to be exact “McDonalds”. Most children know “Ronald McDonald” and the “Golden Arches” logo. They know what a “Happy Meal” is. Of the 63 children only 2 of them had never eaten at McDonalds.
The researchers bought baby carrotts from the store. Wrapped some in McDonlads paper, and some in plain paper. Guess which the kids picked …
You guessed it! An overwhelming 54% of the kids said the “McDonalds Carrotts” were the best. 23% liked the plain wrap better. The rest of the kids said they were the same.
The study included 6 foods, hamburgers, fries and chicken nuggetts from McDonalds that was made in the same order; And milk, juice and carrotts from the local grocery store.
77% of the children liked the McDonalds fries the best
13% picked the unbranded fries
48% of the kids choose the McDonalds hamburger
36% liked the plain wrap
59% of the kids liked the McDonalds Chicken Nuggets
18% favoured the nuggets presented in plain wrapping
61% of the children stated the milk or juice in the McDonalds cup tasted better
21% choose the plain wrap
It’s obvious that branding has a deffinite impact on what kids like and dislike. Some companies are experimenting by putting Mickey Mouse cartoons on sliced fruit to promote healthier eating habits.
McDonalds is concerned about the rise in childhood obeseity. They state they want to be part of the solution.
McDonald’s, announced new curbs on marketing to children under 12. They say the only Happy Meal they will promote will contain fruit and have fewer calories and fat.
Hip-Hip-Hooray for McDonalds! 
Topics: Health and Nutrition | No Comments »