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Chelsea, LukeW, and Jordan
Page history last edited by Anonymous 2 yrs ago
The Media Targets Children
The media is targeting today’s children more than ever. They have found that tweens, as emerging consumers, are an excellent opportunity to make a large profit.
There are many reasons for companies to target their products to children. A majority of today’s advertisements are focused on kids starting at two years old, all the way up to seventeen. It results in more customers, which ultimately results in more profit for them. Teens and small children are under pressure in particular, but tweens, or people between the ages of eight and twelve years old, are defiantly the media’s center of attention. In fact, tweens see the most advertisements directed at themselves per day. The reason the media directs their commercials to tweens is because they are just emerging as independent consumers, and will begin to start spending their money on things that appear fun, cool, or tasty. Companies are not concerned about anybody’s safety, or well being, only their profit. Being aware of the consequences of falling into the traps of advertising will save any potential customer their money, and also keep them safe.
The foods that are advertised on T.V. or the radio are often high in calories and low in nutrition. Characters from television shows and movies are on junk food boxes to promote kids to buy that food. In the grocery stores, the people put kid-friendly foods eye level of the kids so they notice it and urge their parents to buy it. Age 6-19 obesity rates have tripled over the past 40 years.
Cartoon characters used in shows and advertisements have a big effect on kids as well. For example, a 1950s campaign for Camel cigarettes included a cartoon named Joe Camel. He provoked smoking to children, and convinced many that smoking was cool. At one time, Joe Camel was more widely known by children than Mickey Mouse. Companies are now using toons to promote good habits among children. Nickelodeon has announced a campaign to get kids to eat healthier, and exercise more. Famous Nickelodeon cartoon, SpongeBob SquarePants is now encouraging children to eat healthier by eating healthy foods himself, like carrots and yogurt. Cookie Monster has also turned to healthier foods. The cookie munching puppet is now munching on vegetables and fruits.
As you can see, advertisements are targeting kids more than ever to make a bigger profit for themselves. People of all age, especially children must be careful, and make smart decisions with their health and their money.
sources:
This is a fictional letter created by Luke, Chelsea, and Jordan after reseaching on the subject of childhood obesity. It encourages parents to take action against this growing epidemic.
220 Amherst Avenue
Sheboygan Falls, WI 53085
4 June 2007
Letters to the Editor
The Sheboygan Press
632 Center Ave.
P.O. Box 358
Sheboygan, WI 53081
Editor:
Let’s face it. Children these days are watching more and more television, and it’s leading to a growing epidemic. My partners and I found that the advertisements children see on T.V. encourage them to eat unhealthy, and spend more time inside than outside. Kids are spending too much time on the couch, rather than playing or exercising outdoors where they belong. Because of this, more children are becoming obese. It’s a big problem in America today. The parents of this country should be aware of it, and do what they can to stop it.
There are many ways we can get today’s children to get more exercise, and turn off the afternoon cartoons. We should begin by running more commercials encouraging exercise and eating healthy. Kids may see these, and be inspired to do the same. Once they start doing more outdoor activities, they may not want to watch T.V., play video games, or use the computer quite so much. Also, we think that parents should start cracking down on the number of hours their children sit in front of a screen. We think parents taking action is the biggest step in reducing childhood obesity.
Everyone has to do their share to encourage a healthier America. Then, we may be able to stop this pandemic of overweight kids. But everyone must help, especially you parents. You are key to teaching your children good eating habits, and restricting the hours of T.V. to your children. We hope you will help this cause.
Chelsea, Luke, and Jordan
Chelsea, LukeW, and Jordan
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