Parent advocacy group, Parents’ Voice today joined a coalition of health organisations and experts in calling for increased government action on obesity. The eight recommendations featured in A Healthier Start for Victorians, provide a comprehensive guide for action.
Parents’ Voice Campaigns Manager: Alice Pryor, is urging the Victorian Government to act to protect Victorian children.
“Almost 1 in 4 Victorian children are above a healthy weight, putting them at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and 13 types of cancer. This a community-wide problem, that needs a whole of government response.”
“Today’s report shows childhood obesity has largely been ignored by governmentand underline why we need urgent action.”
More than a decade after Parents’ Voice started campaigning to highlight the persuasive and misleading techniques used to promote unhealthy foods and drinks to children,Ms Pryor welcomes the report’s recommendation to shield children from junk food marketing.
“Currently parents would need to cover their children’s eyes to avoid them being exposed to junk food ads. Kids are targeted on public transport, around their schools, on digital platforms and on TV. This influences their food choices, as the promotions are impossible to avoid.”
The report’s recommendations also include supporting schools to increase physical activity programs, improve canteen offerings, introduce a public education campaign on healthy eating and develop initiatives to improve healthy eating by families.
“Parents’ Voice is happy to endorse A Healthier Start for Victorians. Parents want to do their best for their children, but are presently being undermined by our obesogenic environment. We are ready and willing to work with the Victorian Government on this important cause,” said Ms Pryor.
-Ends-
Media contacts:
Alice Pryor 0416 219 261 alice@parentsvoice.org.au
About Parents’ Voice
Parents’ Voice is an online network of parents who are interested in improving the food and activity environments of Australian children. Formerly known as The Parents’ Jury, Parents’ Voice was formed in 2004 and represents thousands of Australian parents, carers, and health professionals. Parents’ Voice is supported by Diabetes Victoria, VicHealth and YMCA Victoria.
