Marketing agencies spend an estimated 10-12 billion dollars a year targeting youths, and the average kid is exposed to 7600 commercials on candy, cereal, and fast food. Studies have shown that these advertisements have affected children's diet choices. We are all well aware of the flaws that existed in our own decision making as a child. Children are very moldable, and as parents it is important to ensure that the correct information is being absorbed by children. Child advertising is not the sole cause of obesity, but I would argue its partial guiltiness. As advertising agencies put more and more money into these campaigns I would like to ask whether or not this is ethically acceptable. Furthermore, I would like to hear who has the responsibility to keep kids healthy; does this job fall entirely on the parents, or is government involvement necessary?
Source:
Aysen Bakir and Scott J. Vitell
Journal of Business Ethics , Vol. 91, No. 2 (Jan., 2010) , pp. 299-311