Picture via Instagram
Childhood obesity is, unfortunately, an increasing problem in our society, and of special concern to us as parents. In fact, a recent report on childhood obesity in Ireland found that one in four Irish kids is obese, and there is a 70 percent likelihood they will remain so when they become an adult.
Jamie Oliver wants to put a stop to one of the factors that contribute to childhood obesity and other health issues: junk food advertising.
You've seen them everywhere: popping up on our mobiles, appearing before one of the tablet games your child loves playing, slapped up on the bus stop you pick them up from every day.
"Now, if you've had enough of the bombardment in the targeting of junk food advertising to British kids, then you can get involved now. And I really need your help," the father-of-five said in a video he shared on Sunday.
I'm launching a very important campaign today to protect our kids from being bombarded by junk food advertising.
— Jamie Oliver (@jamieoliver) 16 April 2018
To change that, we're asking the Government to restrict how many junk food ads kids are exposed to. That's where I need YOUR help #AdEnoughhttps://t.co/MucobNMpnD pic.twitter.com/4gQOXUb974
He says the UK government are on the 'brink' of protecting kids from the advertising that permeates every aspect of their life, from smartphones to billboards.
The TV chef is also calling for a watershed of 9pm for junk food ads on TV.
However, parents' help in the form of a social media campaign will help raise awareness of how many people have #AdEnough. And while he is calling on the UK government and speaking on the behalf of British kids, it is certainly an issue that hits close to home for us, too.
In order to join the campaign, Jamie says you simply take a selfie with your eyes covered, upload it along with the campaign's hashtag #AdEnough, and share it (and even tag some public figures if you feel like it).
A number of parents and other concerned Twitter users have already shared their own #AdEnough selfies - including some celebs!
I'm with @jamieoliver.I've #AdEnough of kids being bombarded with junk food ads. It's a simple fact that the more junk food ads young people see, the more junk they eat.Currently the only ad-blocker they've got is covering their eyes – that's crazy.need the government to step in pic.twitter.com/6Ksh0DFCxB
— Amanda Holden (@AmandaHolden) 16 April 2018
At @WorldObesity office we've #AdEnough of #junkfoodads fuelling the #childobesity epidemic.@jamieoliver calls for a 9pm watershef on HFSS ads! https://t.co/gu57JwE28h pic.twitter.com/6laKngfgu8
— World Obesity (@WorldObesity) 17 April 2018
Our children and young people need to be empowered to make positive choices...that’s why the #AdEnough campaign is so important. Let’s make it happen during #YOYP2018 - to @jamieoliver for his dedication and commitment to this agenda. pic.twitter.com/iO5VSnWMhO
— Aileen Campbell (@ClydesdAileen) 16 April 2018
It’s time to say enough is enough when it comes to children being bombarded with junk food adverts on tv. We need the government to step in. If you’ve #AdEnough too, post a selfie like this one of me and Dad and use #AdEnough pic.twitter.com/mHoZMaoG9u
— Holly Branson (@HollyBranson) 16 April 2018
I'm with @jamieoliver. I've #AdEnough. This campaign isn’t about stopping big brands from advertising; but rather making sure kids aren’t being targeted with unhealthy products. It’s about controlling the time and place. Join in and post your #AdEnough https://t.co/YAWvBpINij
— Selasi Gbormittah (@selasigb) 16 April 2018
We are heartened seeing so many people support this cause and hope that the campaign results in meaningful change.
What do you think of the #AdEnough campaign? Do you feel like your kids see too many junk food ads?