The Guardian has a lengthy article today on the effect of advertising, particularly food advertising, on kids. (It has a U. K. perspective, and mentions some U. K.-specific findings, but most of its major points apply equally to the U. S. and elsewhere.) While some blame advertising for children’s obesity, unhealthy materialism, and dissatisfaction with what they (or their parents) have to spend, others say there are many factors that impact these outcomes. Advertising, they claim, can in fact help children learn to become discerning consumers.
I feel that advertising to kids should be limited, especially when it comes to food items that can have a direct impact on their health. I’m also realist enough to believe that advertising to children is not going to go away anytime soon. Let’s face it, with the government cutting (or threatening to cut) funding to PBS, I’m reluctant to stop McDonald’s from sponsoring Sesame Street and putting a short promo at the end of each episode. At the same time, I’ll be there with the remote control to turn off the TV before the promo plays. My son has yet to eat at a McDonald’s, and I’m happy to keep it that way.
