Junk Food Marketing: An Ethical Issue

Junk Food Marketing: An Ethical Issue

Year 11 Food & Health Studies Understanding Ethical Issues in Well-being

Hook Activity: Decode the Advertisement

Look at the food advertisement or packaging Who is the target audience? What techniques attract attention? What feelings does it try to create? Would these work the same on adults?

Defining the Ethical Issue

Marketing junk food to children promotes products that may harm long-term health Targets a group that may not fully understand consequences Creates conflict between profit and public health Involves vulnerable population with limited decision-making capacity

Key Ethical Concepts

{"left":"Power Imbalance: Large corporations vs. children with limited experience\nInformed Choice: Adults can evaluate risks, children may not understand persuasive intent","right":"Long-Term Harm: Diet-related diseases, childhood habits continuing into adulthood"}

Critical Thinking Question

Can a 7-year-old truly give 'informed consent' to being influenced by marketing? Consider: Understanding of persuasive intent Consider: Ability to evaluate long-term consequences Consider: Knowledge of health risks

Values in Conflict

Impact on Well-being in Aotearoa

Physical health: Rising obesity and diabetes rates Emotional well-being: Body image and self-esteem issues Social impacts: Health inequalities in communities Economic burden: Increased healthcare costs Cultural considerations: Traditional Māori food values vs. modern marketing

Assessment Practice: Writing the Ethical Issue

Complete this paragraph using key terminology: 'Marketing junk food to children is considered an ethical issue in Aotearoa because...' Include: vulnerable populations, power imbalance, informed choice Link to: physical, emotional, and social well-being Time: 8-10 minutes individual writing