Tuesday, November 03, 2009

Let’s Bring Up Discerning Kids

"Drink Coca-Cola 5¢", an 1890s adver...Image via Wikipedia

By Dr Bill Maier

Have you noticed how most television commercials look more like music videos than product ads? There is a reason for that.

When it comes to spending huge advertising budgets, do not think that companies are not aware of what they are doing. Media groups have done their homework. They know who's buying their products, and what works to get their attention. It is our kids that they are targeting, and commercials reflect that fact.

One recent media study showed that more children than ever have televisions in their rooms and Internet access at home. Over 40 per cent had visited a website because they saw an ad on TV, and many have money to spend once they get there.

This may be good news for advertisers, but it should give parents a little cause for pause. How well have we taught our kids to be discerning, and to keep from being manipulated by the media?

Let's make sure our kids are as savvy as the advertisers who target them.

From TODAY, Voices – Wednesday, 07-Oct-2009


Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

No comments: