The role of peers, siblings and social media for children's healthy eating socialization: a mixed methods study

Growing rates of childhood obesity constitute a worldwide public health crisis. Consumption of healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables could help to prevent obesity and related non-communicable illness. A prominent role in children's food-related consumer socialization is played by social agents such as peers, siblings and social media. This study aims to explore the importance of peers, siblings and social media for children's food-related consumer socialization. Using a parallel, mixed-methods approach, the study finds that peers' influence on children's eating behavior is more prominent for children's healthy eating behavior than the influence of siblings. Siblings' influence becomes important in the context of eating together with the whole family. Social media contributes to children's consumer socialization by exposing children to food and drink products shown on social media platforms that are frequently used by children to interact with peers and share experiences. Peer, sibling and social media influence can be used in creating marketing strategies to promote healthy eating behavior among children.

Automated summary

This study explores the importance of peers, siblings, and social media in children's food-related consumer socialization. Peers have a greater influence on children's healthy eating behavior, while siblings become important when eating together as a family. Social media exposes children to food and drink products, shaping their consumer socialization.