SINGAPORE, Oct. 1 -- Singapore will implement new guidelines that restricts the advertisements of unhealthy food to children starting from next year, health authorities have said.

The new guidelines, to be administered by the Advertising Standards Authority of Singapore, will ban promotion of sugary treats such as soft drinks and chocolate in media aiming at children aged 12 and below, the Straits Times reported.

The guidelines cover all child-targeted media, such as children 's television channels and publications, and ads at bus stops within 50 meters of primary schools.

The new code was drawn up by the health authorities and advertising and food industry representatives after Health Minister Gan Kim Yong mooted the idea of curbing ads of unhealthy food in 2012. A poll by the health authorities found that nine in 10 parents or guardians bought their children food or drink if the children asked for it after seeing an ad.

"Perhaps this is how we think we show love to our kids ... but we must cultivate healthy dietary habits among them," said Parliamentary Secretary for Health Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim.

Studies have shown that children aged 12 and below are more susceptible to being influenced by advertisements and that it is not easy to change the habits built in their childhood.

All the food and drinks advertised to children aged 12 and below have to meet the Common Nutrition Criteria endorsed by the Health Promotion Board starting from next year. This means that they have to limit unhealthy ingredients such as sodium, sugar and saturated fat, and have more healthy ones like fiber and whole grain.

Countries and regions such as Britain, Denmark and South Korea have similar restrictions, too. In 2012, 14 major companies including Coca-Cola and McDonald's pledged not to advertise unhealthy food to children aged under 12.