Children and Television Advertising

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that the media's original purpose was to inform and entertain, but as technology grew, so did society's dependence on the media. The writer maintains that there was a time that media was a teacher and in many ways it still is, but the message currently being taught is not what we want our children to learn. The writer then goes on to examine some of the messages that advertising sends out to children about their bodies, their sexuality and alcohol and smoking. The writer also notes that the media affects children by making them more interested in sex, sexuality and addictive behaviors. The writer concludes that the messages that advertisements send are persuasive and influence the lives of children in a more negative than positive manner.

Outline:
Introduction
Overview of Kids TV and Ads
Negative and Positive Associations
Discussion
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"During prime time, advertisements children watch most frequently are full of sexual activity. Most of the sexual content in advertisements is from characters discussing their own or others' current or future sexual activity. The idea of sexual risk or responsibility, however, is almost never talked about or shown. In fact through sexual exploitive advertising the attention of children is sought after rigorously. Children who watch advertisements ultimately become the audience for shows they shouldn't be watching and products they shouldn't be using. The Joe Camel advertisements of the 60's and 70's on television affected the lives of teens negatively even after the cigarette companies were mandated through government legislation to pull their advertisements. Teenagers were already addicted--legislation came too late. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Lerner, Richard and Nancy Galambos. "Adolescent Development." Annual Review of Psychology 49 (1998). Questia. 20 Aug. 2007 <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5001362781>.
• Mazzarella, Sharon and Norma Pecora. Growing Up Girls: Popular Culture and the Construction of Identity. New York: Peter Lang, 1999.
• Nichter, Mimi. "Listening to Girls Talk About Their Bodies". Reclaiming Children and Youth 9 (2000). Questia. 20 Aug. 2007 <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5001153289>.
• Polce-Lynch, Mary, Barbara Myers, Wendy Kliewer and Christopher Kilmartin . "Adolescent Self-Esteem and Gender". Journal of Youth and Adolescence 30 (2001). Questia. 20 Aug. 2007 <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5001027143>.
• Sapolsky, Barry. "The Attraction and Repulsion of Media Sex". Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media 47 (2003). Questia. 20 Aug. 2007 <http://www.questia.com/read/5001978734>.

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