A parents advocacy group has called for a boycott of entertainment and sporting venues which promote and sell junk food.

The Parents Jury says they want governments to enforce healthy food guidelines across the hospitality industry.

A poll conducted by the advocacy group of more than 250 of its
members about children's eating-out options has revealed that in excess
of 60% of parents are dissatisfied with food options for their children
when eating out and 50% often avoid taking their children to certain
venues because of the unhealthy food served.

The Parents Jury aims to substantially reduce the marketing of junk
foods to young children on television and also at cinemas, swimming
pools and sporting events and say Australian children face a barrage of
advertisements for confectionery and snack food from a number of
sources.

The poll rated cinema menus of popcorn, 'choc-top' ice-creams and
fizzy drinks as the worst, closely followed by swimming pools and
sports centres and the advocacy group say healthy food guidelines,
similar to those already in place at school canteens, should be
implemented.

The Parents Jury says food advertisements are more often for
unhealthy foods of low nutritional value such as confectionery,
sweetened breakfast cereals and fast food and those directed at
children often use sophisticated marketing techniques such as
give-aways, competitions, celebrity endorsements, animations and
jingles to increase a child's desire to purchase the product.

They also, say the Parents Jury, often give a distorted, misleading
message and do not provide a clear nutritional representation and what
is more, undermine the attempts of parents to provide children with a
healthy diet.

Experts say approximately 25-30% of Australian children are
overweight or obese and Australia has one of the highest rates of
childhood obesity in the world, which is rapidly increasing.

Overweight and obese children have a high risk of becoming an
overweight or obese adult and social isolation, poor self-esteem and
depression are all linked to weight problems – they also have an
increased risk of developing diabetes, some types of cancer and heart
disease.

Australian children are eating a high percentage of energy dense,
high fat, high sugar and low fibre foods – often foods which are aimed
at children.

The Australian Hotels Association (AHA) said a more comprehensive
strategy including education on diet and exercise, rather than national
guidelines is needed and says the market place is demanding healthier
options and the industry is responding accordingly.