Archive Index: July 2006
Archive: July 2006
Sneaky Food Company Advertising
A really interesting new study shows that food companies are sneakily marketing candy, sweet cereals, cookies and other snack foods to kids by using Web sites in which advertising has been disguised as games, contests and activities -- using the foods they're advertising. Kids get into playing the games and don't even realize that this is actually advertising. But the next time they're in a store, you can be sure they'll want to buy that food, drink or snack because they had such fun playing the game about it. As a kid or teen (or parent) it's super-important that you become educated about this, so you recognize this form of advertising even when it's very well disguised as fun and games. Learning to understand all the different forms of advertising that exist, how they are delivered to you and how they can affect you (especially if you're not aware of them), will give you more control in your life and help you make healthier choices!!
You can read about this study by clicking here.
And you can find out more about advergaming here.
New, Fun Site Gets Girls to Think About Media Messages
Millions of teenage and tween girls spend a significant chunk of their time surfing the Internet, watching MTV, thumbing through teen and celebrity magazines, and listening to CDs by their newest favorite recording stars.
While they may view it as "entertainment," the flood of imagery delivered via online media, television, magazines, and popular music is also subtly shaping young girls' social and emotional development, along with their perceptions of body image and health.
That's why we're so excited about a new Web site created by a team of researchers at the Media Education Lab of Temple University’s School of Communications and Theater. My Pop Studio is believed to be the first Web site of its kind to use online games to teach media literacy.
Kids and the Media News Roundup:
One More Bite of Food for Thought
The movement to restrict junk food ads in England may have a new ally: Prime Minister Tony Blair.
• Blair threatens junk food ad ban, says he isn't concerned with critics: BBC.
Dealing With Racy Summer Song Lyrics
You don't have to look much further than the title of many of this summer's biggest hits to figure out just how racy pop songs can be these days. Songs like Nelly Furtado's "Promiscuous" and Justin Timberlake's "Sexy Back" can be enough to send the discomfort level through the roof for parents shuttling little ones to swim team and baseball practice this summer.
So how do you deal with racy song lyrics when you hear them played near your kids? How do you talk about these kinds of songs to your children? Use our comments section to let us know!
Kids and the Media News Roundup:
Food for Thought Edition
Children's obesity rates have continued to rise in recent years. And while the public and scientists try to sort out the cause of the trend, food marketers have sought out new ways to reach kids with food ads.
- Brits think parents, not ads, are the problem in the kids' obesity epidemic: Brand Republic.
- Aussie scientists say tv and computer time offset the good done by kids' exercise: The Australian.
- Food marketers say, "Hey kids! Take a trip to Fun K Town with Toucan Sam!": Washington Post
