BNF Survey Finds Family Helps Most with Children’s Eating Habits
13 Jun 2016 --- New research from the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) shows that immediate family members are the strongest role models for influencing children’s healthy eating and physical activity habits.
The research, conducted as part of BNF Healthy Eating Week 2016, surveyed a total of 14,399 children aged 7-16 years old, and found that, while children are bombarded with celebrity stories and images, they still look up to close family members to set an example for healthy living.
Nearly a third (31 percent) of children surveyed say that family members are their healthy eating role models, while almost a quarter (23 percent) of children report that family members are their role models for being active, second only to sports people (26 percent). Celebrities rank further down both the healthy eating and exercise role model lists (identified by 11 percent and 9 percent of the children, respectively).
Age differences
The research, one of the largest surveys of its kind in the UK, also reveals that the balance in role model influence shifts with age. While 37 percent of 7-10 year olds rate family as their role models for healthy eating, under a quarter (23 percent) of 14-16 year olds do the same.
Conversely, six percent of the younger age group look up to celebrities as healthy eating role models but by the age of 14-16 years, this percentage has nearly trebled to 16 percent. The influence of celebrity role models for healthy eating rises from four percent in 7-10 years olds to 13 percent in the 14-16 years old age group, and varies from 6 percent in boys of all age groups to 16 percent in girls.
Behavior change
The research looks at the eating habits of children, and examines their attitudes towards strategies for effecting positive behavior change.
The research, one of the largest surveys of its kind in the UK, also reveals that the balance in role model influence shifts with age. While 37 percent of 7-10 year olds rate family as their role models for healthy eating, under a quarter (23 percent) of 14-16 year olds do the same.
Conversely, six percent of the younger age group look up to celebrities as healthy eating role models but by the age of 14-16 years, this percentage has nearly trebled to 16 percent. The influence of celebrity role models for healthy eating rises from four percent in 7-10 years olds to 13 percent in the 14-16 years old age group, and varies from 6 percent in boys of all age groups to 16 percent in girls.
Behavior change
The research looks at the eating habits of children, and examines their attitudes towards strategies for effecting positive behavior change.
Roy Ballam, Managing Director and Head of Education at the BNF said: “We are able to see from the children’s point of view the influence that close family members and friends can have on their attitudes and behavior in relation to food and exercise, as well as the positive impact that strategies for changing behaviour can have in their lives.”
Ballam continued: “While models for good practice can be set out, and the science and application of food and nutrition learned in the classroom, children told us that they look to those close to them at home to help them implement positive changes in their lives.”
Keeping on track
When asked what nudges they would choose to help keep them on track with their healthy changes, 36 percent of the children surveyed say they would choose to have healthier food and drink options available at home, although the research also shows that over half (55 percent) can already help themselves to fruit and vegetables at home all of the time.
When asked what nudges they would choose to help keep them on track with their healthy changes, 36 percent of the children surveyed say they would choose to have healthier food and drink options available at home, although the research also shows that over half (55 percent) can already help themselves to fruit and vegetables at home all of the time.
Family members are the second most popular choice for helping children with setting targets – a quarter of children surveyed say that they would ask a family member to help them to define these or help them keep track of their progress (15 percent). The majority (49 percent) say they would choose to set their own targets.
Across all age groups, the children surveyed report being most motivated to be more active by a desire to be sporty (36 percent); to have more ‘energy’ (31 percent); to feel good (27 percent); and to be a healthy weight (25 percent).
However, 14 percent of children say that the thing that stops them from eating healthily or being more active is that “I find it boring” or “I don’t have time” and 13 percent say “I can’t be bothered”.
Across all age groups, the children surveyed report being most motivated to be more active by a desire to be sporty (36 percent); to have more ‘energy’ (31 percent); to feel good (27 percent); and to be a healthy weight (25 percent).
However, 14 percent of children say that the thing that stops them from eating healthily or being more active is that “I find it boring” or “I don’t have time” and 13 percent say “I can’t be bothered”.
Home Behavior
The research also examines the current behaviour of children at home. Over three quarters of all children (78 percent) report having access, and can help themselves, to fresh fruit and vegetables at home all or most of the time, with only 4 percent reporting that they can never help themselves. Nearly a quarter (24 percent) of children say that they help with cooking at home all or most of the time, and 60 percent sometimes help with cooking. Almost a third (31 percent) of all children surveyed say that they eat their evening meal in front of a screen – TV or computer, all or most of the time.
BNF Healthy Eating Week is now in its fourth year. It was developed to promote healthy eating and drinking, being active, food provenance and cooking in schools. BNF Healthy Eating Week 2016 is supported by AHDB Beef & Lamb, AHDB Dairy, Capespan, Danone, Greggs and KP Snacks. This industry support enables free printed resources to be provided to schools, as well develop and make other online materials and activities freely available during the week.
The research also examines the current behaviour of children at home. Over three quarters of all children (78 percent) report having access, and can help themselves, to fresh fruit and vegetables at home all or most of the time, with only 4 percent reporting that they can never help themselves. Nearly a quarter (24 percent) of children say that they help with cooking at home all or most of the time, and 60 percent sometimes help with cooking. Almost a third (31 percent) of all children surveyed say that they eat their evening meal in front of a screen – TV or computer, all or most of the time.
BNF Healthy Eating Week is now in its fourth year. It was developed to promote healthy eating and drinking, being active, food provenance and cooking in schools. BNF Healthy Eating Week 2016 is supported by AHDB Beef & Lamb, AHDB Dairy, Capespan, Danone, Greggs and KP Snacks. This industry support enables free printed resources to be provided to schools, as well develop and make other online materials and activities freely available during the week.
The question is: what should the food industry do with this information, and what role should it have in their marketing?
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