Commercialism harming British kids: Study

London, Dec 10 (UNI) Commercialism is harming British kids by fuelling a rise in bullying, obesity and depression among them, according to a new study.

The National Union of Teachers (NUT) study warns that children must be protected against increasingly sophisticated marketing and advertising tactics that present several levels of danger to young people.

It said the rise in childhood obesity highlights the dangers of advertising unhealthy food to children.

The study also said that children were bombarded with ''unrealistic and unachievable images'' of what they should look like, leading to an increase in anorexia, bulimia and eating disorders, the Daily Telegraph reported.

Steve Sinnott, the general secretary of the NUT, said,''Of increasing concern to teachers is the lifestyle pressures exerted on children by the advertising and marketing industries.

''The pressure to consume and conform can lead to excessive levels of materialism and competition among children, leading to bullying. There are dangerous consequences for the physical and mental health of young people,'' he said.

UNI