Advertising and Childhood Obesity

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Americans have always had the mentality that bigger is better. Bigger cars, bigger houses, and bigger salaries are just a few ways that Americans supersize their lives. But, there is one other thing that has been growing in American households: their weight. Portion sizes are out of control, video games always beat a playground, and everything is motorized. This is the way that American children are growing up, and out. But in a society that is so obsessed with looking good and thus, thin, how are these children getting so large? Advertisements. The news has been attacking advertisements aimed at children, and rightfully so, they are showing unhealthy lifestyles and eating habits in a socially acceptable way. Children watch cartoons. Simply put, this statement has held truth for many, many years. Saturday morning cartoons have been a staple in the American household for a while now, and in between these programs, at a time when children are known to be viewing, a spread of commercials showing McDonalds, Pepsi, Kellogg cereal, etc. Thus, giving children the urge to get up from a morning of television and pouring a bowl of sugary cereal, or convince their parents to take them to McDonalds for a Happy Meal lunch. These advertisements are showing children “wants” instead of “needs.” These advertisements are promoting negative social consequences, such as obesity and health risks, including smoking and alcohol.

Abstract

Through an examination of the background of advertisement aimed at children, an explanation of each side of the argument, and an analysis of each side, it can be proved that a regulation of advertisement aimed at children should be put into place. First, the background of the issue will be addressed along with a histo...

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...Union. Web. 24 Oct. 2011. .

Kennedy, Nicki. "Stop in the Name of Public Policy." Journal of Communications Law and Policy (2008): 1-25. Print.

Neuman, William. "U.S. Stalls in Its Push to Limit Food Ads Aimed at Children - NYTimes.com." The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia. 23 July 2010. Web. 24 Oct. 2011. .

Ramsey, William. "Rethinking Regulation of Advertising Aimed at Children." Federal Communication Law Journal’s (2006): 1-33. Print.

Shin, Annys. "Ads Aimed at Children Get Tighter Scrutiny." The Washington Post: National, World & D.C. Area News and Headlines - The Washington Post. The Washington Post, 15 Nov. 2006. Web. 24 Oct. 2011. .

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