Australian kids are fatter than they’ve ever been before.  They’re also bombarded with more advertising than ever before.  Not just on TV and radio, but also on the internet, their mobile phones and all around our city streets.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) have tabled some new recommendations to prevent advertisers using TV characters to sell junk food to children.  Because if a product is promoted by the Wiggles, Bob the Builder or Bananas in Pajamas, kids want it.

ACMA are also recommending new restrictions on ‘premiums’ - the toys and other giveaways that are used to sell fast food.

What do you think about these advertising restrictions?  If you’re a parent, do you find it impossible to resist the nagging of your kids when they want the latest toy that comes wrapped in a hamburger?

Some parents’ groups, such as the Parent’s Jury, think these recommendations don’t go far enough.  They’d like to see all junk food advertising completely banned in children’s television programs. 

I’d like to know what you think.

• Are your children influenced by TV advertising?  Do they ask you for McDonalds or KFC when they see it advertised on TV?
• Is junk food advertising making our kids unhealthy?  Would your kids eat better if fast food ads were completely banned from kids programs?
• And what about those little toys that come with the hamburgers or the packet of chips?  Do they make junk food more attractive to children?