Sue Scheff: AD-cation - Teaching Kids Behind the Scenes of Advertising


Every day, your child and teenagers are exposed to advertising - not just on TV and online, but on buses, buildings, and even inside their classrooms. Many ads target kids ages 8 to 12. Given what kids see and hear around them, it's important for them to know how to decode and understand ads.

As the nation's consumer protection agency, the Federal Trade Commission, (FTC) is responsible for enforcing laws that prohibit unfair and deceptive advertising and marketing practices. It brings cases, issues guidance to businesses, and educates consumers about their rights. Consumers can file a complaint or get free information about consumer issues at ftc.gov.

Recently the FTC launched Admongo which helps educate kids with a behind the scene look at what advertising does.

The Admongo Campaign will help kids learn to ask three key "critical thinking" questions when they encounter advertising:

Who is responsible for the ad?
What is the ad actually saying?
What does the ad want me to do?


As a parent or an educator, you should review their curriculum to share with your students or children including lesson plans, student worksheets, family activities and more.

Be an educated parent, you will have smarter teens and children.

Watch video and read more.

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