Can we tackle the obesity epidemic by banning junk food ads?

That’s the aim of teal independent Sophie Scamps who cites a new Australia Institute survey that shows two in three Australians support a ban on junk food ads on TV, social media, radio and online during children’s viewing hours.

Studies indicate the average child aged five to eight is exposed to more than 800 junk food ads on TV each year.

Other research says that across TV, social media and online, children are seeing up to 170 junk food ads each week.

The survey found 33 per cent of Australians “strongly agree” with a junk food ad ban during children’s viewing hours. Another 33 per cent “agree” and people over 60 are more likely to agree or strongly agree with the proposal.

Dr Scamps says she is drafting a bill to regulate junk food ads, citing advertising regulations or proposed changes in countries such as the UK, Ireland and Chile.

In the UK, junk food ads will be banned on TV, social media and online before 9pm from 2024.

Do you think a ban will make a difference? What else should we be doing?