30% of under-18s ‘use food delivery services every week’

Nearly a third (30%) of under-18s are using food delivery services every week, a survey suggests.

While nearly a fifth (19%) of young people yet to reach adulthood use food delivery services once a week, a further 11% use them several times per week, according to the research from Direct Line Life Insurance.

The findings were based on a survey of parents, 43% of whom said they themselves use delivery services because they are easy to access.

Direct Line has a “smart health” app which helps customers keep track of their health and fitness.

Chloe Couper, business manager at Direct Line Life Insurance, said: “Fast food outlets are now accessible from anywhere.

“All you need is a delivery app and food can arrive within minutes, meaning temptation is there for parents and children alike.

“While it can be tricky for parents to keep track of what their children are eating when they are out of sight, access to so much fast food may have serious negative health consequences.”

More than 2,000 adults were surveyed across the UK in August.