Why TV advertising leads to unhealthy habits in children

Advertisements for household cleaning products stereotype by featuring women in the

endorsements . Stereotyping by these means can limit a child 's growing mind from achieving

their own independence

Violence is another issue promoted in television advertising Commercials for video games

entice children despite the ratings now imposed on games . Also advertisements for R-rated

movies show scenes with horror and violence during their commercial Ratings on video games

and movies mean nothing during the 30 or 60-second spot . Even if parents try to keep their

young children away

from violent games and movies , the advertisements introduce children to

violence which increases aggressive behavior and often desensitizes children to the real world

Effective advertising is supposed to make an impression on the consumer . However , studies

show that it is even more effective on children . It somewhat brainwashes youngsters and forms

addictions and bad habits along the way . While you can monitor television programs , it is next to

impossible to monitor television advertising

Parents need to talk with their children and make them understand that commercials only

show the good things about a product and that the product is a choice and not a necessity

The APA suggests having young children under the age of eight watch public television

stations . Public television is very limited in commercials , most shows are sponsored or brought

to you by a business or product

Another recommendation from the APA is to record television programs without taping the

commercials . Renting or buying videos and DVDs can be another alternative

In a child 's mind , the world is influential . Censorship and ratings help curb the negative

influences but there will always be something in between . In the case of television , it is the

advertising leaving the lasting and too often unhealthy impression on a child SOURCES

Television Advertising Leads...