The Negative Effects Of Advertising On Young Children

Young children that watch television constantly are influenced by what they see. They may not know that the whole purpose of the commercials are to sell. Today, the average time children spend watching television is 4.5 hours (Mares and Woodard). Between these hours there are many commercials being played. Although commercials are intended to reach out to adults, there are many children out watching the also. The advertisement being shown on commercials today to buy the latest toys and gadgets could be a huge effect on children, but not only that, without trying these commercials can change behaviors and show negative modeling to children that are watching. When it comes to advertising and marketing, the creators have an excellent skill of making things look better than they really are. Sometimes these commercials can lead to unhealthy habits for children. When toys, electronics, and other items are being advertised on television, children tend to want them because of how commercials or other types of advertising makes the item seem. According to Raising Children Network, the more television a child watches the more toys the child is likely to want. The word “cool” is a big …show more content…
For this reason, a few countries have banned marketing and advertising targeted at children below the age of 12 (Effects of Advertisements on Children - India Parenting). Children should be taught to not let these advertisement messages get to their head and also to not let them change their behavior. Parents can help prevent these advertisements from effecting their children in any negative way by enforcing rules when it comes to television to decrease their request for items. As well as sitting and watching these advertisements and asking your child what was done wrong. In order for advertisements to not have a big negative effect on children, parents should let their children know that it’s all