That good parenting would lead children to govern their "passions" and "wants" is absurd. Children have not yet developed their ability to control those things in all cases that is why they still need protection. Of course they should learn to govern their passions but while they have not developed that governance yet, precisely because they are children, they should should be protected from unnecessary temptation. -- It's a no-brainer that junk food advertising aimed at children should be banned.

Pete, Plumstead, UK

Those who point to parenting as the cause/solution are correct. If kids don't have good parenting, they will be governed by their "wants" and "passions," not by their true, long-range needs. In general, that's the basic problem with families that don't have good parenting.
The problem of defining what is "good" food and what is not is difficult. Basic solution: eat less (and better) and exercize more.

James, Jacksonville, Illinois U. S.

The real problem with any advertising restriction on 'Junk' food is precisely how do you define what you mean. High fat/salt levels etc are too blunt an instrument. This will prohibit healthy foods (Olive Oil, for example) and allow in certain industrial foods of dubious value.

Unless you can define the problem you can not ban the advertising.

It actually ties in more with the debate concerning the harm done to a generation of children by the encouragement of one-parent families. But in fact it is not one-parent families but the large numbers of ZERO-parent families that is the true cause of anti-social behaviour of which childhood obesity is but a symptom.

Brian Vallance, LEFKIMMI, Greece

i think it's the parent's responsibility as a good carer to insure that their children don't become influenced by the media. I also think that it is the parent's fault if their children are obese as these are the people who are buying the food in the first place or giving their child the money to buy fast food. Also i think parents should spend more time with their children and teach them in their up brining to understand and appreciate the importance of a balanced diet.

Dan, Wareham, England

when every one is running after money now a days inorder to become rich every one is avoiding health factor.helth is an importent factor to keep oneself balanced.child will take care of the balanced diet then they will possess good health in later phases of life.so every possible effort must be concidered when the health oh a little child is concerned so they possess habbit of having balanced diet.

shashank, patna, india

At the end of the day, parents need to accept responsibility for their children. As you reported today, the mother of the 14stone 8yr old may lose her child due to 'neglect'. All advertising does is make children aware of the products, they don't force the parent/child to buy them.

ed davies, Nottingham, UK

When food and beverage manufacturers spend fortune on advertisement and promotion, they are positive that many will believe their claims as gospel truth. The child is most vulnerable to the influence of TV. The heath authorities must ensure that exaggerated claims are censored when these impact child in impressionable age.

M.M.GURBAXANI, Bangalore, India

As far as my memory goes,I have been watching TV at a very early age but when it came to my food my parents always made sure I had healthy meals.Although I am at uni and also working at the same time now,I always make sure when I come home from work or uni,I have proper food and not readymade food bought from supermarket or takeways.I think what kind of food children consume,totally depend on parents.If parents decide to be lazy,children will go for junkies.

aishi, leeds, UK