Almost three quarters of people believe that TV adverts for unhealthy food should not be shown until after 9pm

Almost three quarters of Scots have said they would back a ban on junk food advertising before the watershed.

A new survey from Obesity Action Scotland indicates strong support amongst Scottish adults for a 9pm watershed to be applied to junk food TV adverts – with 74% of respondents backing the move.

With the UK Government currently consulting on advertising restrictions and the Scottish Government agreeing to explore action on devolved aspects of advertising, the charity has said the results send a clear message.

The study also found 66% of respondents agreed that children seeing adverts for junk food contributes to childhood obesity and 67% of respondents felt that seeing fewer adverts for junk food would help children have a healthier diet.

Obesity Action Scotland wants to see a 9pm watershed on junk food adverts implemented across all media devices and channels to protect children from the harmful effects of marketing of foods high in fat, sugar and salt.

The charity’s Lorraine Tulloch said: “We know that junk food adverts influence what children eat and contribute to childhood obesity. The current restrictions on advertising do not go far enough and we want to see the UK Government implement a 9pm watershed across all forms of digital media. Adults across Scotland have indicated their strong support for such action.

“It’s time for government to step up to protect the health of our children. We urge everyone to take a few minutes to respond to the consultation and advise the government that they want to see action now.”