Fighting for a better future: Ella’s journey from Scottish Youth Parliament to Bite Back
19 Aug 2026
Activist Ella talks about her experiences speaking out against Big Food, and calling for better, healthier spaces for young people.
My involvement in Bite Back was a classic case of being in the right place at the right time. As a Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament, I was due to be speaking to an MSP in Edinburgh, when an opportunity arose to speak at a panel all about young people’s experiences in junk food advertising right up the road. What I didn’t realise was quite how much I’d have to say on the topic, and how passionate I was.
Along with five other young people, I spoke to a room of decision makers about our own personal experiences.
I was representing the Scottish Youth Parliament with other young people from the organisation, Young Scot. I’d been on panels before, but what I particularly liked about this one was that there wasn’t tons of preparation needed, and I felt a lot less under pressure. I was just speaking about my own experiences alongside some like-minded young people from all across Scotland.
The more I spoke (and the more I saw the adult audience's shocked reaction), the more I realised how junk food giants capitalise on young people. I thought about where I see junk food advertising the most and I had one answer. On my phone on Friday evenings. My mum has a chronic health condition, so on Fridays we often order a take-out to save her cooking. The delivery apps have noticed this pattern and every Friday at about 4pm I get a message from them. Almost like a constant reminder that my life is different.
What massively stuck out to me was junk food advertising via Snapchat. Snapchat is a huge part of most young people’s lives, and there is a clear age divide when it comes to its use. 80% of Snapchat users are under the age of 35.
Whilst speaking on the panel, I alongside the other five young people all reflected that we have received messages from various junk food companies.
Not ads, actual targeted messages.
On the app that is predominantly used by young people.
Another key thing for me is the spaces young people have access to. In my town, the only place to hang out inside with my friends is the local McDonald’s. This is a recurring theme, especially with rural young people. Due to the lack of investment in public services recently, the Governments are continually closing spaces where young people can be themselves.
This is why I would call on both the Scottish and British governments to develop youth-specific spaces that can provide affordable and nutritious meals. Spaces where young people can just be themselves. Where advertisements aren’t shoved down their throats. Somewhere clean, accessible and free.
I hope that politicians don’t just skim the messages me and my fellow activists are sharing. I hope that they take decisive action on improving children & young people’s health.