Adison Covey Molly Sedlacek

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), "Children are influenced by media– they learn by observing, imitating, and making behaviors their own“ During the 1980s and 1990s, unprecedented growth occurred in the field of computer technology, resulting in the increased availability of computers to children, both in their homes and schools. Improved access for children resulted in expanded media influence on children, with a new interactive element that was not previously seen in media. The average young person views more than 3000 ads per day. advertisers are targeting younger and younger children in an effort to establish "brand-name preference" at as early an age as possible. The business of advertisement is a $250 billion/year industry with brands to sell, and children and adolescents are attractive consumers: teenagers spend $155 billion/year, children younger than 12 years spend another $25 billion

Young female children are heavily influenced and conditioned to “roles” shown to them by the media. Toys, such as Barbie suggest female standardizations at a young age. These influences are reinforced in more than toys- bout also television shows, music idols, even toys at fast food restaurants.

Beginning in the early 1970s, have shown that significant exposure to media violence increases the risk of aggressive behavior in certain children and adolescents. Other effects on children include desensitization to others' pain and suffering and the tendency to be fearful of the world around them, viewing it as a dangerous place.

Adolescents exposed to advertisements regarding sexual intercourses teaches them to be sexual active in life sooner than those who are not exposed (History of media on children). The third domain, body image and self-esteem, is widely affected by advertising in the media. Researchers have suggested that media may influence the development of self-esteem in adolescents through messages about body image. Advertisement of appealing, but often financially unaffordable, clothing and promotion of negative gender stereotypes. Efforts to sell an image that adheres to certain standards of body weight and size may be a catalyst for eating disorders suffered by some adolescents. Media theorists and researchers have determined that the effects of this trend are being seen in both boys and girls, with negative psychological affects.

Increasingly, tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs have been glamorized in the media. Tobacco manufacturers spend $6 billion per year and alcohol manufacturers $2 billion per year in advertising that appeals to children. Movies and television programs often show the lead character or likeable characters using and enjoying tobacco and alcohol products. Studies have shown that adolescent exposure to sexual content affects moral judgment.

 Regulations within the industry are increasing rating discretions and parental advisories.  Activists such as pediatricians and psychologist are raising awareness of the damages advertisement has on a child’s learning capabilities.  Do you feel like the advertising industry effected your learning behavior?

 nt/full/118/6/ nt/full/118/6/2563  12/Media-Influence-on-Children.html 12/Media-Influence-on-Children.html  You Tube