Kid influencers with popular YouTube channels frequently promote junk food and poor nutrition in their videos.
Researchers studied 2019's five most popular youtube kid influencers.
Ages ranged from 3 to 14 years.
Nearly half of the videos promoted food and drinks.
More than 90 percent featured junk food, candy and soda.
These videos were viewed more than a billion times.
The public trusts influencers because they appear to be everyday people.
It doesn’t necessarily look like advertising.
In fact, the World Health Organization identifies food marketing as a major driver of childhood obesity.
More than 80 percent of parents with a child younger than 12 years allow their child to watch YouTube.
The platform is helpful especially during COVID19 when parents are juggling remote work and raising kids.
Governments and health agencies must work together to protect children and public health.
Original article:
Kid Influencers Are Promoting Junk Food Brands on YouTube—Garnering More Than a Billion Views
Original study:
Child Social Media Influencers and Unhealthy Food Product Placement