Advertising campaigns on TV that are targeted at children should be banned. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Children of today spend hours in front of a TV screen and advertisers are well aware of this. They take advantage of breaks in cartoons and programs for children to conveniently place commercials aimed at youngsters. Products that are commonly advertised include toys, food and beverages and the latest gadgets.
Children are too young and naive to understand how TV adverts are used to manipulate them to buy products. They are unable to tell the difference between an ad and a show. They will also be influenced by the products their favourite characters use. TV advertisements indirectly affect parents too because children put pressure on them to buy the products being advertised. Therefore, some people think it is unethical to show ads for children when they are unable to make an informed judgement about the value of an item.
On the other hand, there is a need to understand that children are also consumers with their own needs and preferences. The only way for sellers to notify children of new products is through advertising. Some products might be beneficial for children such as educational toys, healthy food options, play centres etc. We shouldn’t assume all advertisement are bad and should therefore be banned.
Producers spend large amounts of money developing products and advertising them. Without the income received from commercials, children wouldn’t be able to watch their favourite TV programs. If parents disagree with ads aimed at their children then they shouldn’t let them watch television. It is also up to the parents to say “no” to their children instead of letting their children have what they want and then blaming advertisers.
Question taken from Direct to IELTS Student's Book p.86
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