Advertising is a pervasive influence on children and adolescents. Young people view more than 40,000 ads per year on television alone and increasingly are being exposed to advertising on the Internet, in magazines, and in schools. This exposure may contribute significantly to childhood and adolescent obesity, poor nutrition, and cigarette and alcohol use.
On the one hand, supporters of advertising argue that it is a necessary part of the economy and that it helps to fund various media and entertainment outlets. Without advertising, they argue, many media outlets would not be able to survive financially. Additionally, they argue that advertising can be educational, informing consumers about new products and services that they may be interested in.
However, on the other hand, there are many valid concerns about the effects of advertising on children and adolescents. One of the main criticisms of advertising is that it often promotes unhealthy or risky behaviors. For example, advertisements for unhealthy food products or tobacco products often target young people, who may not fully understand the risks of these products. Additionally, there is evidence that exposure to advertising for unhealthy products can contribute to the development of poor eating habits and obesity in children and adolescents.
Another concern about advertising is that it can be misleading. Advertisements often present an idealized version of reality, and this can lead young people to have unrealistic expectations about products or services. This can lead to disappointment and frustration when the products or services do not live up to their expectations.
Finally, there is a growing concern about the impact of advertising on young people's self-esteem and body image. Many advertisements feature unrealistic and heavily-photoshopped images of models, which can contribute to negative body image and low self-esteem in young people. This is particularly concerning given the high rates of eating disorders and other mental health issues among young people.
Overall, while advertising does have some benefits, it is important for parents, educators, and policy makers to be aware of its potential negative effects on young people. Steps should be taken to ensure that children and adolescents are not exposed to unhealthy or misleading advertisements, and that they are taught how to critically evaluate the messages they see in advertising.
