Children as consumers

Snack vending machines for sweets and soft drinks are a form of marketing, so they are subject to the parent's right to decide about marketing directed at their underage children. Product marketing is often incorporated into the design of the machine itself.

Snack vending machines also affect a child's eating habits in a way that is not compatible with the concept of a healthy diet at home. It is difficult for a parent to bring up a child with healthy eating habits when marketing directed at children is simultaneously encouraging the opposite attitude.

The Finnish Consumer Agency, National Board of Education and National Public Health Institute recommend that in schools and educational institutions,

• sweets, soft drinks and sweetened juices should not be sold on a regular basis, at least not during school hours
• snack vending machines or kiosks should offer healthy products.

 Take action

You can have an impact on vending machine products and availability times at your child's school by contacting

• the school nurse/principal and students' union

Guidelines for consumer protection:

 Children and foodstuffs marketing