Is it fair to market to children?

Marketing products to children is unfair because kids don't think the same way that adults do. Younger kids especially can't always tell the difference between a commercial and a regular show, so a lot of the time they don't even realize that someone is trying to sell them something. Companies know this, and they use bright colors, catchy songs, cartoon characters, and toys inside meals on purpose to make kids want their products and then go beg their parents for them over and over. That's not really a fair fight, because a little kid isn't old enough to stop and think "this is just an ad trying to get my money." On top of that, a lot of the stuff being advertised to kids is sugary cereal, candy, fast food, and other junk that isn't good for them, which can lead to unhealthy habits that follow them as they grow up. It also puts pressure on families, because parents either have to keep saying no and deal with their kid being upset, or give in and spend money they might not have. It just feels wrong to target someone who isn't old enough to fully understand what's happening to them. Because of all this, there should at least be stronger rules and limits on how companies are allowed to advertise to children, even if it isn't banned completely.

Written By: Sarah X