The ability of young children to influence adults in the choice of sugary foods and drinks

Abstract

Background There is evidence to suggest that the family is becoming a more democratic unit and that the ability of children to influence adult decision-making processes should not be underestimated. A study was undertaken to investigate whether children can influence adult decision- making in relation to the use of sugary snacks. Method A cross-sectional interview study; children aged 7-8 years from twenty inner-city Manchester primary schools were interviewed about their pocket money and their perceived levels of influence on the consumption of sugary snacks within their household. Twelve of the questions were scored '1' if the child answered 'yes' (denoting that the child usually got his/her own way) or 'zero' for 'no' (denoting that the child believed the adult was in control). This was reported as the child's influence score within a range of 0-12. Results The mean influence score for the group ( n=340) was 4.7 and was independent of the child's gender, ethnicity or number of children in the family. Sixty-eight per cent ( n=232) of the children reported that they usually received sweet items whenever they asked for them. Sixty-three per cent ( n=215) of the children admitted to pestering their parents when greeted with a 'no' response, with nearly two-thirds of the 'pesterers' reporting a successful outcome. Evidence of the children's autonomy was shown by nearly three-quarters of the group stating that they received pocket money. Conclusions In this study, adults' efforts to limit their children's intake of cariogenic food/drink are being undermined by children having an increased degree of freedom either to make or influence decisions particularly about sweet snacks.

A qualitative study of the factors that influence mothers when choosing drinks for their young children

“…Additionally, family influence played an important role in the children’s beverage consumption. This is consistent with previous research by Blinkhorn et al which concluded that children had a considerable amount of influence in obtaining sweet drinks and food from parents and grandparents [ 46 ]. Interventions and health promotion strategies related to healthy drink choice need to target at both parents and other family members, such as older siblings and grandparents as they are important role models and food providers.…”

Dental caries among children visiting a mobile dental clinic in South Central Kentucky: a pooled cross-sectional study

“…Messages about practicing good oral health habits can be reinforced during childhood development through providing dental education regularly. In addition, children in schools begin to make their own decisions and choices on what to eat [34,35]. School children are exposed to opportunities inside or outside school settings to purchase sugary beverages or snacks through vending machines [36].…”