ADPH joins call to end industry influence in schools

We have joined over 50 organisations – including prominent academics, health charities and advocacy groups – in writing to the Education Secretary, urging the Government to protect children from misleading and harmful classroom materials funded by unhealthy product industries.

The letter warns that resources are being used in schools to teach children about harms made by the very companies producing the harmful products. Evidence shows such materials routinely misrepresent evidence, normalise harmful behaviours, and shift responsibility for harm onto individuals, including children.

Chris van Tulleken, Professor of Infectious Disease and Global Health at University College London said:

We wouldn’t let Big Tobacco teach children about smoking. So why are we allowing the alcohol, gambling, and junk food industries into classrooms? Allowing these industries into schools distorts learning and helps industry establish the next generation of customers.

We are calling on the Government to issue clear guidance – as Ireland has done – stipulating that schools must avoid using materials funded by harmful industries and argue that all educational content on these topics must be developed, delivered and evaluated independently, free from vested interests.

The letter also urges the Department for Education to recognise its obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, including recognising the right of the child to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health – and to take concrete action to protect that right effectively.