What shapes children’s food consumption behavior? A comprehensive scoping review

This review explores how parents and teacher role modeling, nutritional practices and knowledge, environmental influences, and socioeconomic aspects influence children’s consumption of unhealthy food and drink. The review question was formulated based on the PCC (population, concept, and context) approach, guided by the JBI framework. The review included studies that investigated the impact of parental and teacher role modeling on children’s food choices and consumption in both home and school settings, published within the last 10 years in English. Overall, 23 articles were included in this review. The results showed that enhancement of dietary quality is significantly associated with parental involvement, including the modeling of healthy eating, participation in family meals, and the establishment of suitable food restrictions, which is further augmented by elevated socioeconomic status through improved availability of nutritious foods. School-based activities, such as nutrition instruction, experiential learning, and healthy lunch policies, foster balanced meals. Nonetheless, the detrimental effects of media ads for unhealthy foods and peer influences provide considerable obstacles. The study revolved around four themes: role modality and guidance of parents and teachers at home and school, respectively, environmental and peer influence on children’s eating habits, and societal factors. Addressing these factors through collaboration among families, educational institutions, and policymakers can favorably shape children’s dietary habits to enhance long-term health and well-being.