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 wa...