An article titled “Teaching Kids to Consume” (http://business-ethics.com/2012/03/25/9299-teaching-kids-to-consume/) delves into the disturbing, yet increasingly popular, commercial exploitation of children. With goals of capturing “young demand,” ads targeting children are now found on school buses. In fact, American companies spend $17 billion dollars annually on ads specifically catered to children – 150s times more than a few decades ago.
What is truly troubling, however, are the longterm effects of constant advertisement exposure. Studies show that this new world produces children who struggle with materialism and obesity, as well as depression, anxiety, and violence.
Upon reading this article, it is easy to blame corporations for their insensitivity and the means through which they bombard vulnerable society members. However, one must realize that they are simply doing their jobs – and doing them well too. They have spotted the most impressionable target market and have set out to build relationships and loyalty. And although their motives may be insincere – although ethically they may be committing wrong – they are not doing anything illegal.
It is the responsibility of the parents or the role models of these children to teach them to be cautious and analytical – to avoid simply absorbing advertisement, but to question it and challenge it.
In what seems like an almost ridiculous finding, children are having trouble recognizing wildlife species like this sea turtle.
However, they seem to have no trouble recognizing this pokemon.