Television viewing and concept of nutrition among children

Television accounts for a substantial portion of time expenditure of children. A significant proportion of television advertisements are devoted to food products. Child and nutrition advocates raise concerns that the messages in food advertisements do not promote healthy habits. Most of the foods advertised on television lack nutrition, which in turn could be a risk factor that lead to health problems. At the same time, children get attracted to the food products advertised on television since the food industry various strategies and appeals to attract children who are their potential consumers. Children could lack the cognitive skills to critically examine the advertisements of food products and understand the nutritional content of these food items. This might lead them to consume foods that are unhealthy and harmful.