School children from the northern region of the UK delivered a petition to their government at Downing Street last week, calling for increased regulations on alcohol marketing.
During their visit to the UK capital, a group of students presented their petition – signed by more than 6,000 North Easterners – and talked about alcohol marketing with Members of Parliament.
The students from from Darlington’s Hummersknott Academy and Boldon School in Tyne and Wear – were in London as part of the ‘See What Sam Sees’ campaign.
The campaign – initiated by Balance, the North East Alcohol Office – aims to highlight the issues around alcohol advertising, pointing out that children grow up in a pro-alcohol environment due to a “constant barrage of alcohol marketing”.
Colin Shevills, Director of Balance, said: “A recent European study showed that 10-15 year olds see ten per cent more alcohol ads on TV than adults and 50 per cent more alcopop specific advertising than adults.
“We believe, along with thousands of people in the North East, that more effective controls are needed to ensure that alcohol is marketed responsibly – and in particular that alcohol marketing messages only reach adults,” Shevills told The Northern Echo.
During their trip, the students asked Members of Parliament to consider restrictions on alcohol-related advertising and sponsorship.
Source: The Northern Echo 03/11/13