The introduction of restrictions on advertising unhealthy products to children could change the daily lives of millions of Spanish families. The authorities aim to curb the aggressive promotion of chips, sweet pastries, and soft drinks, which have long been a staple in the diets of young people. This new initiative promises not only to reduce the food industry’s influence on the younger generation but also to be a step toward fostering healthier habits among children and teenagers.
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs and Social Policy has announced the preparation of a law that will limit advertising of products high in sugar, salt, and fats on television, the internet, and other media targeting minors. The main focus is on banning ads during children’s programming and on social networks, where teenagers are particularly vulnerable to the influence of popular bloggers and athletes. Authorities emphasize that similar measures have already proven effective in other European countries.
Public support
Most Spaniards support stricter regulations on advertising unhealthy products. According to recent polls, nearly 80% of the country’s residents back a ban on promoting junk food to minors. Public opinion is even more decisive regarding energy drinks: over 90% of respondents believe it is necessary to restrict their sale to teenagers under 16. The prevailing sentiment has become a key factor pushing the government toward decisive action.
Authorities note that public support increases the likelihood of successfully implementing the new regulations. In recent years, Spain has already taken steps to limit children’s access to unhealthy foods, such as placing restrictions on fast-food vending machines and revising nutrition standards in school cafeterias. The new law will be a logical extension of these initiatives.
Planned measures
While not all details of the upcoming law have been disclosed, it is known that products with low nutritional value and high levels of added sugars, fats, and salt will be targeted. Particular attention is given to advertisements featuring young people’s idols—athletes, entertainers, and popular bloggers. According to experts, these campaigns have the strongest impact on children’s eating habits.
In the coming weeks, the ministry will submit the draft law for consideration. The new regulations are expected to affect not only television, but also digital platforms where teenagers spend a significant amount of time. Authorities emphasize that the aim of the initiative is not only to restrict advertising but also to reduce the consumption of unhealthy products among young people.
European experience
Spain is not the first country to tackle the aggressive advertising of unhealthy food. In recent years, similar laws have been enacted in France, the United Kingdom, and Scandinavian countries. There, restrictions are already in place on advertising products with low nutritional value during children’s programming and on internet platforms targeting minors. As a result, a decline in the consumption of unhealthy products among children and teenagers has been observed.
In Spain, the problem remains pressing: according to experts, about 80% of children and teenagers regularly consume products high in sugar, salt, and fat. The introduction of new restrictions could become an important step in the fight against obesity and related diseases among young people.
In recent years, there has been a trend in Europe toward tighter regulation of food advertising aimed at children. In the UK, for example, there is already a ban on fast food advertising during certain hours, while France has introduced special labeling for products high in sugar. Scandinavian countries are actively implementing educational programs for parents and children to promote healthy eating habits. These measures are already showing early results: childhood obesity rates are gradually declining, and interest in healthy eating is on the rise.
