Adolescents report low opposition towards policy options to reduce consumption of sugary drinks

Background: Policy makers benefit from insight into consumer perceptions of potential sugary drink policy measures. Adolescents are among the highest consumers in Australia, yet their perceptions are unknown. Objectives: To determine adolescents' perceptions of potential policies aimed at reducing sugary drink consumption and explore variation in perceptions. Methods: Data were collected via a nationally representative survey of Australian secondary school students (aged 12-17) using a stratified two-stage probability design (n = 9102). Survey questions assessed receptiveness to five policy options, sugary drink consumption, perceptions of health effects and demographics. Results: Low proportions (13%-29%) were somewhat/strongly against policy options, 35% to 45% were neutral, and 27% to 52% were somewhat/strongly in favour. Highest support was observed for text warning labels on sugary drinks (52%), followed by tax with investment in healthy weight programmes (43%), standalone tax (36%), restricting school sales (30%) and restricting advertising to children (27%). Sex, sugary drink consumption and perceptions were significantly associated with most assessed policy options in bivariate analyses (P <.01). Significant associations between sex and consumption with selected policy options persisted in adjusted multilevel models. Conclusions: Opposition towards policy options was low overall and neutrality was common. This creates opportunity for early intervention to increase public support for addressing specific health issues.