There is much dissapproval of marketing, many people feel the ethics being used are misleading and manipulative especially when it involves children. Marketing is the process or technique of promoting, selling, and distributing a product or service. (merriam-webster) Merchandising changes and directs human being conduct and refinement , with it 's only focus on making a profit. Studies have shown children between the ages of 6-14 years of age watch 25 hours of television per week and 20,000 commercials per year. The implement of the children’s television act (CTA) by the FCC limits advertisement of children’s commercial television stations to 10.5 mins/hour weekends and 12 mins/hour weekdays, though these are frequently violated (Lizabeth
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Marketers target children and youth through packaging; giveaways and contests; product placement in movies, TV shows, and video games; through digital media such as text messaging, cell phones, email, and websites; viral marketing; and cross-promotions involving movies, popular licensed characters, and even books (Dr. Bridget Kelly). Youth ages 11-18 eat at fast food restaurants an average of twice per week. History has shown toys offered with meals in fast food restaurants are highly sought after. A lawsuit against McDonalds claimed that inclusion of toys in happy meals is deceptive, predatory and “illegal” (Anna R Mcallister 2012). Studies have shown children exposed to unhealthy food promotions are likely to prefer unhealthy foods compared to children exposed to healthy food promotions or none at all. Most common food advertised are: sugary breakfast cereals, high fat savory snacks, confectionary and sugary drinks for example “soft drinks” (Kelly). Over time the intake of unhealthy food and drink leads to lack of energy and weight gain. Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic. The obesity rate in children has nearly tripled since 1963. (Center for disease control and Prevention 2012). Approximately 17% of children and adolescents age 2-19 years are obese. Advertisement has created weak relationships between parents and their children. Children develop aggressive behavior when parents deny their request for products. If not for lack of funds from which to purchase but parents who seek to teach their children material values. Parents should begin at an early age to teach their children wants versus needs. Speaking to children and teens about marketing and what it represents may eliminate some confusion and limit relationship conflicts. When marketing focuses on the benefits of products or services and matches those products with your needs it is becomes and advantage. It can play a big part in serving our economy
Marketers target children and youth through packaging; giveaways and contests; product placement in movies, TV shows, and video games; through digital media such as text messaging, cell phones, email, and websites; viral marketing; and cross-promotions involving movies, popular licensed characters, and even books (Dr. Bridget Kelly). Youth ages 11-18 eat at fast food restaurants an average of twice per week. History has shown toys offered with meals in fast food restaurants are highly sought after. A lawsuit against McDonalds claimed that inclusion of toys in happy meals is deceptive, predatory and “illegal” (Anna R Mcallister 2012). Studies have shown children exposed to unhealthy food promotions are likely to prefer unhealthy foods compared to children exposed to healthy food promotions or none at all. Most common food advertised are: sugary breakfast cereals, high fat savory snacks, confectionary and sugary drinks for example “soft drinks” (Kelly). Over time the intake of unhealthy food and drink leads to lack of energy and weight gain. Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic. The obesity rate in children has nearly tripled since 1963. (Center for disease control and Prevention 2012). Approximately 17% of children and adolescents age 2-19 years are obese. Advertisement has created weak relationships between parents and their children. Children develop aggressive behavior when parents deny their request for products. If not for lack of funds from which to purchase but parents who seek to teach their children material values. Parents should begin at an early age to teach their children wants versus needs. Speaking to children and teens about marketing and what it represents may eliminate some confusion and limit relationship conflicts. When marketing focuses on the benefits of products or services and matches those products with your needs it is becomes and advantage. It can play a big part in serving our economy