Healthy eating: Evaluating the peer influence of vlogs produced by 6–16-year-olds and their families

Abstract

Childhood obesity continues to be a global concern and, in the UK, public health campaign's utilise behaviour science to encourage healthy eating and reduce sedentary behaviour for families. However, technology is now part of young people's everyday lives. Youtubers popularity mean that they can potentially act as effective peer influencers on healthier behaviours. This study provides a preliminary evaluation of four YouTube style vlogs produced by families for peers following a healthy eating intervention. Families were recruited to watch and review their learning and influence. The results show potential for using such approach as part of wider healthy eating campaign.