Fast Food Nation: A missed opportunity for mass messaging

Younger kids and tweens who got the ‘Ewwwwwwwww” impact of the documentary “SuperSize Me” may enjoy the teen targeted MTVU clip for Fast Food Nation, but that’s about as far as they’ll want to venture due to the handling of this “R” rated film. (see reviews) Fast Food Nation could’ve EASILY turned down the volume on the … [Read more...]

Digital media’s helpful “Ask the Expert” forums

The next time you have a random zinger of a question about kids’ behavior, health, food, or challenges, take advantage of myriad online experts in digital media. There’s a wealth of knowledge free for the asking in a wide array of disciplines: Children's mental health. Teen conundrums. Baby sleep issues. Gifted children. Media habits. From children’s … [Read more...]

Q&A with Nutrition for Kids’ Connie Evers

Is tuna still ok for kids? There’s been lots of controversy about the government repeatedly downplaying the hazards of mercury in fish, yet tuna is still being marketed to kids with ol’ cartoon Charlie. Is it safe or not? Also, is Trix toning down their dyes? Find out in this short Shaping Youth Q&A with nutritionist Connie Evers. But first! Kids' food marketing … [Read more...]

KFC bans trans-fat in chicken: Are they pulling our leg?

My advertising radar blipped with guarded glee when I heard KFC was being wildly applauded as the hero of the hour for ditching their trans-fats in fried foods in favor of a low linolenic soybean oil. KFC’s drive-through banners tout “Feed your family for under $4!” and “Looney Tunes Laptop meals designed just for kids” so my initial take on … [Read more...]

School Sit-ups Sponsored by Soda-n-snacks?

Update 2015: When in doubt...buy 'em out. sigh. More Coke and soda obfuscation and payola with registered dieticians, pay for play research, junk science via medical sock puppets and obesity blame game shifting to position Coke as an 'energy balance' alternative. (facepalm) Unspeakable public health policy with  targeting kids of color Just really appalling marketing … [Read more...]