Canberra academics found that three quarters of people want to ban junk food ads targeting kids, while 44 per cent believe controversial genetically modified foods are safe to eat.

The poll, conducted by the Australian National University, probed public views on household food security, eating-out habits, and genetically modified crops and more.

Professor Stewart Lockie, head of sociology at ANU, believes the research proves the need for change.

''It's reasonable to assume that people would consider children to be vulnerable to advertising,'' Professor Lockie said.

''[Research] shows that when children are presented with products that are associated with cartoon characters the children will express a preference for the product with the cartoon character.''

Australian Medical Association federal president Dr Steve Hambleton believes the change could not come at a better time.

''We know that 25 per cent of kids are overweight or obese, 60 per cent of adults are obese or overweight,'' Dr Hambleton said.

''I think that the public are starting to recognise that this is one of the contributors.''

The push comes after The Disney Corporation this month decided to remove junk food ads from its television channels, radio stations and websites.

The research also showed a desire to provide better labelling for GM foods, something Greenpeace has always campaigned for.

Julie Macken from Greenpeace said, ''We want labelling and if producers and manufacturers want to use genetically modified product in various food stuffs that poll suggests that 44 per cent of Australians are comfortable buying it''.

''[But] The poll also makes it clear that Australians want to know if it's there or not.''

While the push for removing junk food advertising is apparent, ANU advertising expert Mr Andrew Hughes believes getting children to eat right is up to parents.

''They're kids, they're not going to hop in a car down to the local [Woolworths] and buy something,'' Mr Hughes said.

''The nag factor's there - but hey you're a parent - I'm a dad … you've just got to resist the nag factor.''