While most advertising is honest and truthful, some may be misleading and inappropriate for youngsters. It’s good to talk to your children about the concept of advertising. You can begin by referring to magazine or newspaper ads and asking:
• What do you notice first when you look at the ad? What’s pretty or unappealing?
• What product is the ad for?
• How does the ad make you feel about the product?
• What questions should you ask before buying this product?
This type of discussion can help your child understand that the purpose of advertising is to get people interested in buying products, not to entertain them.
Children are impressionable, which makes truthful advertising imperative.
Although responsibility lies with advertisers, parents play a major role in educating children to evaluate information and make informed choices. Contact the BBB to report misleading or deceptive advertising. Visit www.bbb.org or call (937) 222-5825 or (800) 776-5301.
John North is president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau.
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