Anti Childhood Obesity Campaign Draws Criticism – Do these Strong4Life anti-childhood obesity prevention ads go too far? You may have heard about some of the controversy revolving around the Georgia-based Strong4Life anti-childhood obesity campaign. The anti-obesity program targets childhood obesity with a direct, almost religious fervor. If you thought the egg-meets-frying pan “This is your Brain on Drugs” PSAs were direct, Strong4Life takes that approach and raises the stakes with their message.
Strong4Life, formed by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, produced a series of several hard-hitting PSAs and videos featuring obese kids openly lamenting their weight and the bullying problems associated with their physiques. The messages are very sobering. Some have said they have problems with the messages and some have said the childhood obesity epidemic needs this kind of tough talk. Either way, the message is getting out.
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I applaud the concerns of the Strong4Life’s anti childhood obesity campaign, I’m just concerned with who they are targeting with their message. If their message is to frighten parents into helping their children with diet and exercise – I think the message is compelling. If their message is aimed at children – I have issues with it.
Anti Childhood Obesity Campaign Draws Criticism
I would be against a similar type of national childhood obesity campaign being aimed at children. I think if these types of PSAs were on Nickelodeon or a Disney website they might actually promote bullying by pointing out which types of physiques should be ostracized. Kids don’t need this type of reminder. Plus, would an anti childhood obesity ad such as the ones Strong4Life produces even be effective if they were aimed at children?
There are proven anti-childhood obesity campaigns that do work. Take the NFL for example. Their PSAs are bright, fun messages that encourage kids to get out and “Play 60″ (minutes a day). The messages feature athletes kids look up to on playgrounds extolling the virtues of getting off the couch and getting active. Thankfully, I think this type of message resonates stronger with children than the gloom and doom approach.
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If strong childhood obesity messages are sent to parents – Bravo! If they’re aimed at kids, they may be doing more harm than good.
I’m not against the powerful messages coming from Strong4Life, I just wish I could identify who they are marketing towards a little better.
Do you think Michigan needs a strong campaign like this to raise awareness to fight childhood obesity?
Strong4Life website.
What do you think of Strong4Life’s Anti Childhood Obesity Campaign?
