"Food company sponsors are kind, generous and cool": (Mis)conceptions of junior sports players
2011

Children's Awareness of Food Company Sponsors in Sports

Sample size: 103 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Kelly Bridget, Baur Louise A, Bauman Adrian E, King Lesley, Chapman Kathy, Smith Ben J

Primary Institution: University of Sydney

Hypothesis

Children would have a high recall of sponsors of both their own sports clubs and of their favourite elite sporting teams, and that younger children would be more influenced by this sponsorship.

Conclusion

Children's high recall of food and beverage company sport sponsors and their positive attitudes towards these sponsors and their promotions is concerning as this is likely to be linked to children's food preferences and consumption.

Supporting Evidence

  • 68% of children could recall sponsors of their sports club.
  • 47% of children could recall sponsors of their favorite elite sporting team.
  • 86% of children received a voucher from a food or beverage company for good sport performance.

Takeaway

Kids remember the food companies that sponsor their sports teams and think they're cool, which might make them want to buy unhealthy snacks.

Methodology

Interview-based questionnaires were conducted with children aged 10-14 years at sports clubs to assess their recall of sponsors and attitudes towards them.

Potential Biases

Children's perceptions may be influenced by the presence of sponsors' logos and promotional materials during the survey.

Limitations

The study relied on self-reported data, which may not accurately reflect actual purchasing behaviors.

Participant Demographics

{"age_range":"10-14 years","gender_distribution":{"female":42,"male":61},"socioeconomic_status":{"low":34,"medium":50,"high":19}}

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.01

Statistical Significance

p<0.01

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1479-5868-8-95

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication