Three cheers for Disney! Not for having great movies, decent children’s programming or amazing amusement parks, but for taking the initiative to phase out the advertising of junk food on its TV channels.
This news was actually announced back in June, but being a busy parent, I’m just now learning about it. At our home, we do not have TV, we have a TV, but it’s only used for movies and is actually only turned on about once every 3 months. Don’t get me wrong, we watch Netflix, and occasionally geek out on YouTube videos, but one thing I like about this approach is the fact that all those mind-numbing, horribly disgusting commercials don’t ever make it into my son’s brain. Because when he does see them at his grandma’s house, all you hear every few minutes is, “I want that!”
No one can deny how huge this is for the world of media. If Disney does it, other childrens outlets are sure to follow suit. While this is no doubt a huge marketing tool, at least its heart is in the right place. The fact that healthy, nutritious advertising is becoming a marketing tool should let parents everywhere let out a small sigh of relief. Finally, they’ve heard us.
While this effort is hugely welcomed, I urge parents to not just trust items that have the “Mickey Check” logo – an icon that calls out nutritious food and menu items sold in stores, online, and at restaurants and food venues at its U.S. Parks and Resorts. You should still remain active in your attention to what your child eats. I hate to say it, but it’s probably only a matter of time before some snakey company takes on the same approach, but with lower standards, and so on and so on. Check out Disney’s Nutrition Guideline Criteria and educate yo’self!
How do you feel about this initiative? Oh, and just because, here is some food for thought: