Social media affecting children’s health

At the turn of 2026, the government introduced new restrictions on junk food advertising online and on TV before 9pm to help protect children and young people. However, this report reveals that some of the UK’s biggest food chains reach young people through their own social media channels which don’t fall under the regulations. The research analysed posts from major food brands on TikTok and Instagram and uncovered how unhealthy products, viral trends, memes and youth-focused content dominate young people’s social feeds.