The Effects of Advertising on the Youth of Today

Advertisements, whether on television or in print, may affect your children more than you realize. It is estimated that every hour of children's TV programming includes 10 to 16 minutes of advertisements. These ads are highly sophisticated messages meant to stick with children long after the television is turned off, and the effects can be dangerous. Many advertisements glamorize alcohol and cigarette smoking, which can influence children at a young age to believe that these substances enhance popularity or attractiveness.

  1. Childhood Obesity

    • The American Academy of Pediatrics attributes a portion of the problem with childhood obesity to television and other advertisements. Commercials make fast food look healthy, fresh and inviting. Many commercials show young, vibrant, thin people consuming these products, projecting the image that fast food is a good nutritional choice, and that attractive people are likely to consume it. According to the academy, movies and TV shows also contribute to obesity through rampant product placement, as kids watch their favorite movie and television stars consume junk food on a regular basis. Because kids are very impressionable, they idolize these people and tend to mimic their actions.

    Cigarettes

    • Advertisements also have an effect on how some kids and adolescents view cigarette smoking. As of 2011, cigarettes are still largely advertised on billboards, though they must be kept at least 1,000 feet from a school. However, children and adolescents still see these advertisements that portray cigarettes as an object that makes people look more sophisticated or sexy. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, advertising may have more of an effect on children than watching their parents or even friends smoke.

    Brand Name

    • From a young age, children are targeted with brand names. During children's programming they are bombarded with advertisements for brand name toys. Retail stores and individual companies make commercials to advertise certain brands of clothing that they are trying to push. All of this information bombards children. The ads are also apparent on billboards which are seen on highways and in cities. They are also present in teen and even pre teen magazines. Children are targeted by brand names as soon as they are able to watch television.

    Alcohol Abuse

    • According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children start making decisions about alcohol at a young age. Advertisements for alcohol are rampant, especially during sporting events. Kids see these ads while watching a variety of programs and are viewing scenes that make alcohol use look cool and like an exciting element to a social event. This can sway children at an early age to ignore the harmful effects of alcohol and to focus on the seemingly positive aspects of alcohol, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Child Care Safety Checklist for Parents
      Child Care Safety Checklist for ParentsCRIBS: Make sure cribs meet current national safety standards and are in good condition. Look for a certification safety seal. Older cribs may not meet current standards. Crib slats should be no more than 2 3/8
    • What Are the Statistics on Family Sit-Down Meals & How They Affect Youth?
      Self-discovery and rebellion characterize childhood and adolescence. During such times, values and habits can be shaped by family traditions. Family sit-down meals can be a predictor of youth behavior and academic success. Academic Perf
    • Why Is It Important to Learn Vocabulary for Children?
      Vocabulary is a crucial element in language development. Words, and the associated meanings to words, are the basis of communication. Acquiring language capabilities is one of the most important skills a young child must learn. A child cannot communi