I unplugged yesterday to watch a friend's 2-and-1/2-year-old son as a favor. It was an absolute joy to hang around something that pure and happy for a day.
One of the things that struck me was how susceptible he was to suggestions. Regardless of the action required (eating, playing, cleaning up, napping) he went along with my suggestions 99.9% of the time.
If you ever wonder why we need to protect children from ads (especially those for addictive products), I highly recommend you go and hang out with a kid or two for a day. It will open your eyes.
Children are sponges, especially in the first five years of life. I believe however, that it is the job of parents and/or guardians to filter the mass media noise that affect socialization, not the job of marketers whose responsibility is to sell a product or service.
On the other hand, I agree that it is unethical to directly market addictive products to the youth, who are often impressionable and lacking wisdom (or guidance). Balance must then be the key, that and targeting the correct market.
Posted by: Kimberlee Morrison | November 28, 2006 4:33 PM | Permalink to Comment