A little over a year ago I met Susan Linn at the Association of Children's Museum's annual conference where her speaking topic was "Consuming Kids: The Corporate Takeover of Childhood." (Her most recent book is very closely tied.) I had heard of her work before and was already interested in the topic, so it was great to meet her in person. (She's a really good vantriliquist!) Through that experience, I learned about the existence of the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, an extremely passionate (and busy!) organization who's mission is as follows:
Campaign For A Commercial-Free Childhood is a national coalition of health care professionals, educators, advocacy groups and concerned parents who counter the harmful effects of marketing to children through action, advocacy, education, research, and collaboration. We support the rights of children to grow up – and the rights of parents to raise them – without being undermined by rampant consumerism.Their website is a vital resource for keeping informed about current issues in marketing and advertising to children and the truly harmful effects it can have.
One of their key initiatives at the moment is support for a bill that would help reinstate the power of the FTC to regulate marketing to children. In 1980, the Congress limited the FTC's ability to regulate marketing to children and youth. Today it's easier to regulate material for adults than for children. Marketing to children (in and out of schools) has been linked to issues of childhood obesity, youth violence, precocious and irresponsible sexuality, excessive materialism, and family stress. If this bill were to pass it would help recognize the importance of putting children's health and welfare before corporate profit.
If you're interested in TAKING ACTION, you can send a letter online to your local Senator asking for their support on this bill.
If you would like additional background information, talking points, fact sheets and a history are available.
1 comment:
Hey,
You know I actually had a conversation with my mom about this recently. I was advising her to not let my niece (whom she cares for) to watch so much T.V. with characters like Dora, Spongebob, etc. Now of course there is much debate about young children and t.v. watching as far as whether it is healthful or harmful. However, another issue is the hijacking of every beloved cartoon character. In order to market products that children don't need & are often unhealthful, corporations have put cartoon characters on everything. I feel like it is such an abuse of their power. Children are obviously not critical consumers. They are manipulating children's adoration for make-believe and caricature and using it to sell product. I really think this is a matter of ethics that should not escape the understanding of most individuals. Parents find themselves have to protect their children from these consumer images disguised as big purple dinosaurs, talking sea creatures, etc.
It is pretty stinky.
Mel
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